U.S. businesses are reportedly considering relocating operations offshore, specifically to India, utilizing Global Capability Centres (GCCs), after the H-1B visa fees were raised to $100,000. India has established itself as a key provider of services through GCCs, excelling in skill-focused areas such as artificial intelligence and drug development. The fee increase, mandated by a presidential order, requires a $100,000 payment for each new H-1B visa application submitted after the specified deadline, including those for the 2026 lottery. The executive order also tasked the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department with coordinating all necessary implementation measures. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of State have issued guidance to ensure uniform application across agencies. India’s 1,700 GCCs, which originated as tech support hubs, now operate as innovation centers in diverse fields, offering critical business support and expertise.
