In a move that has rattled the global tech industry, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a new $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas — a programme heavily relied upon by Indian IT professionals and major American technology companies. The order, signed Friday in the Oval Office, takes effect Sunday and is expected to face legal challenges.
H-1B visas allow skilled foreign workers — including engineers, scientists, and software developers — to work in the U.S. for up to six years. India accounts for nearly 75 per cent of these visas, with many workers employed by top U.S. tech firms. The abrupt fee hike could have sweeping financial implications for companies and workers, with industry experts warning it may worsen labour shortages in the American tech sector.
India’s foreign ministry expressed concern about the policy’s humanitarian impact, citing potential disruption for thousands of families. Nasscom, India’s leading IT trade body, criticized the 24-hour implementation timeline, saying such dramatic policy changes should include a transition period to allow businesses and professionals to prepare.
The fee announcement comes alongside Trump’s unveiling of a $1 million “gold card” residency programme, allowing individuals or corporations to fast-track U.S. residency by paying a substantial premium. Trump hailed both measures as ways to attract “great people” while ensuring they “pay their fair share.”
With H-1B applications already at record highs — and approvals peaking under President Joe Biden in 2022 — the new fee could dramatically reshape the U.S. skilled immigration landscape. Analysts expect the measure to trigger court challenges, echoing similar legal battles from Trump’s first term.