The Indian government has stated that a new $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants seeking US skilled worker visas will have humanitarian consequences.
President Donald Trump on Friday ordered this substantial fee for H-1B visa applications, which is over 60 times the current fee, to take effect on September 21.
Indian workers receive the majority of these skilled visas, accounting for over 70% of those issued.
Some US tech companies have reportedly advised their H-1B visa holders to remain in the US or return urgently if they are currently outside the country. The White House clarified that the new fee would not impact existing visas or pending renewals.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern about the disruption this fee would cause for families. They stated, We hope that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by US authorities and emphasized the importance of the exchange of skilled workers, which benefits both countries.
The announcement follows tensions in US-India trade relations, exacerbated by Trump's recent tariffs on Indian oil imports from Russia. With merchandise trade amounting to $41.5 billion in US exports and $87.3 billion in imports from India, trade negotiations are ongoing, with India's Commerce Minister scheduled to visit the US for discussions.
India's trade body Nasscom criticized the abrupt changes, noting these alterations create significant uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students globally.
The new fee has sparked debate, with the White House citing misuse of the visa program as a reason for the changes, while allowing for case-by-case exemptions if in the national interest.
About 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024, with Amazon, receiving the highest number of approvals. The H-1B visa program aims to permit US companies to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialized skills. Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan have advised employees regarding the new visa conditions, cautioning them about potential re-entry issues into the US.
