President Donald Trump’s executive order introduces a $100,000 annual application fee for H-1B visas. This change is poised to influence thousands of skilled foreign workers, with a considerable impact on the Indian population.
The new H-1B Visa rule stipulates a $100,000 annual fee for applications submitted after the announcement, including those supplementing existing petitions. Employers must provide payment verification; otherwise, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may deny the petition. This rule applies to all outside the US applying for an H-1B visa, with national interest exceptions.
The H-1B program, created to attract skilled international technical workers, has long faced scrutiny. It is particularly relevant to Indian IT professionals, who form the largest group of beneficiaries. IT service companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have historically utilized the program to bring developers to the United States.
Essential details for Indian H-1B applicants:
* The new fee will have a significant effect on Indian workers, who have comprised a large percentage of approved H-1B applications.
* Indians graduating from US universities (Master’s/PhD) and those working for prominent US-based tech firms are expected to be in a more favorable position.
* The $100,000 fee represents a substantial increase compared to previous costs.
* Applicants must possess advanced skills and be difficult to replace with US workers.
* Smaller companies and outsourcing consultancies are likely to decrease or cease H-1B filings.
* The fee may increase the financial burden and potentially limit job opportunities for Indian students and recent graduates seeking US employment.