In a dramatic policy shift, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a staggering $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa petition, effective September 21, 2025. This move, aimed at curbing what the administration calls “systemic abuse” of the H-1B program, has sent shockwaves through India’s tech industry, which relies heavily on this visa route to place skilled professionals in U.S. roles.
What Was the H-1B Visa Fee Before?
Before this hike, the total cost of filing an H-1B petition typically ranged between $4,000 and $6,000 per applicant, depending on the size of the sponsoring company and legal fees. This included:
- Base filing fee: $460
- ACWIA fee: $750–$1,500
- Fraud prevention fee: $500
- Public Law 114-113 fee: $4,000 (for large companies)
- Optional premium processing: $2,500
The new $100,000 fee is a seismic increase—nearly 20 times the previous maximum—and applies to every H-1B petition filed, regardless of company size.
Why the Fee Was Introduced
According to the proclamation, the fee aims to discourage companies from using H-1B visas to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. The administration argues that the program has been exploited, particularly in STEM fields, and that the new fee will ensure only the “best of the best” are hired. Exceptions exist for cases deemed in the national interest by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Impact on Indian IT Companies
India accounts for nearly 70% of all H-1B visa holders. Major IT firms like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL Technologies routinely send thousands of engineers and developers to the U.S. each year. The new fee structure will:
- Increase operational costs dramatically for Indian IT firms.
- Reduce the number of H-1B filings, especially for junior or mid-level roles.
- Force companies to prioritize high-value roles and senior talent for U.S. placements.
- Accelerate hiring in alternative markets like Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Smaller IT firms and startups may be priced out of the U.S. market entirely, leading to a talent shift and potential revenue loss.
Impact on Indian Tech Professionals
For Indian engineers, developers, and data scientists, the H-1B visa has long been a gateway to global opportunities. The new fee could:
- Limit access to U.S. jobs, especially for fresh graduates and entry-level professionals.
- Push talent toward other countries with more favorable immigration policies.
- Increase competition for fewer sponsored roles, raising the bar for qualifications and experience.
Many professionals may now consider remote work or relocation to countries like Canada, which offer more accessible work permits and permanent residency pathways.
What This Means for Investors and Market Sentiment
The policy shift could have ripple effects across the Indian stock market, especially in the IT and tech sectors. Investors should watch for:
- Earnings pressure on major IT exporters.
- Hiring and expansion trends shifting toward non-U.S. markets.
- Currency volatility due to changing remittance flows.
For those navigating this evolving landscape, expert guidance is essential.
Eqwires: Your Strategic Partner in Uncertain Times
In moments of policy upheaval and market volatility, Eqwires stands out as the Best SEBI Registered Eqwires Research Analyst in India, offering clarity, precision, and performance-driven insights.
Whether you’re a retail investor or a seasoned trader, Eqwires delivers:
- Best option trades providers for navigating derivative markets
- Expert analysis on stock options and timing strategies
- Proven best options trading strategies tailored to your goals
- The best equity tips provider for long-term portfolio growth
- Reliable best intraday tips provider for short-term gains
- Consistent best stock market tips provider across sectors
- Recognition as the best stock market company in India for research excellence
Eqwires doesn’t just react to news—it helps you capitalize on it. With a focus on disciplined investing and strategic positioning, Eqwires is your edge in a rapidly changing financial world.
Final Thoughts
President Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee marks a turning point in global talent mobility. For Indian IT companies and tech professionals, it’s a wake-up call to diversify markets, elevate skillsets, and rethink U.S. dependency. For investors, it’s a moment to reassess exposure and seek expert guidance.
And with Eqwires by your side, you’re not just watching the market—you’re mastering it.
Top-notch SEBI registered research analyst
Best SEBI registered Intraday tips provider
Telegram | Facebook | Instagram
Call: +91 9624421555 / +91 9624461555