Washington | September 20,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that introduces a $100,000 annual application fee for all H-1B visa petitions, a move expected to impact Indian professionals more severely than any other group.
The new fee applies not only to fresh applications but also to supplemental petitions, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the H-1B program in decades.
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What the New H-1B Fee Means
Under the executive order, H-1B applicants and their sponsoring employers must pay the hefty $100,000 annual fee to process applications. Proof of payment must be maintained, and the US Department of State or Department of Homeland Security will reject petitions without verified payments.
The rule covers all applicants, including those applying from outside the US, with limited national interest exceptions.
Indian Workers Most Severely Affected
According to USCIS data, Indians account for nearly 71% of approved H-1B visas, followed by Chinese workers. Most Indian H-1B holders work in STEM fields, especially in computer-related jobs, with a median salary of around $118,000 annually.
Two major groups are expected to be most affected:
1.Indian professionals employed by major US tech companies.
2.Indian students completing advanced degrees in the US and seeking job opportunities under the H-1B program.
For entry-level and mid-career workers, the new $100,000 cost poses a serious barrier. Recent graduates in particular may struggle to cover such a large fee while establishing careers in the US.
Financial and Career Barriers
The $100,000 annual cost raises concerns about affordability. While top-level professionals in high-paying roles may manage the fee, mid-level employees and young graduates face overwhelming financial pressure.
Critics warn that the fee will discourage employers from sponsoring foreign workers and may lead to fewer job prospects for Indian graduates. It could also force existing H-1B holders to leave the US if employers decline to cover costs.
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Trump Administration’s Justification
The White House defends the move as a measure to protect American workers and prevent program abuse. Administration officials argue that some US employees have been replaced by cheaper foreign labor, particularly in tech sectors.
By making the visa process more expensive, the administration hopes to ensure that companies hire foreign talent only when absolutely necessary.
Potential Impact on US Economy
Critics, however, caution that the rule could harm industries heavily reliant on global talent. The US issues 85,000 H-1B visas annually through a lottery system, and raising costs could reduce participation, hinder innovation, and push skilled workers to competing countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia.
For Indian professionals, the new fee could also disrupt the H-1B-to-Green Card pipeline, long considered a pathway to permanent residency. Many fear career decisions will now be driven by financial constraints rather than skills or employer demand.
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