The recent decision by the Trump administration to increase H-1B visa fees to $100,000 has created financial strain for many foreign workers, especially those from India. The substantial increase, from the previous range of $2,000 to $5,000, is aimed at deterring foreign workers and potentially prioritizing American employment.
This new fee presents a significant challenge, particularly for Indian professionals, as a large percentage of them earn less than the fee annually. The US Finance Secretary confirmed the fee’s application and stated that existing H-1B visa holders are excluded.
Analysis of 2024 data reveals that Indian H-1B employees have lower average salaries than their counterparts from other countries. The average salary for Indian H-1B workers in 2024 was $95,500, which is less than the new visa fee.
Specifically, about 60% of Indian H-1B visa holders earned less than $100,000 in 2024. A smaller percentage earned considerably less. Meanwhile, a majority of non-Indian H-1B workers earned above the $100,000 threshold.
Although Indian salaries were slightly higher than those of some other nationalities, the overall income levels for Indian H-1B workers were relatively low when compared internationally.
The H-1B visa is essential for US companies seeking specialized skills in fields like technology. Indians are the primary recipients of this visa type.