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U.S. Raises Annual H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000

  • 22 Sep 2025

On 19th September 2025, U.S. President signed a proclamation raising the annual fee for H-1B visas to $100,000. The move is part of the administration’s efforts to curb immigration and reshape the skilled-worker visa programme, significantly impacting Indian professionals who form a large share of H-1B holders.

Key Points

  • Fee Hike: The annual fee for H-1B visas has been raised to $100,000, applicable to both new applications and renewals.
  • Policy Rationale: The administration said the fee ensures only “extraordinary people” with very high skills are brought into the U.S., discouraging replacement of American workers.
  • Economic Justification: President Trump stated the measure would raise over $100 billion for the U.S. Treasury, helping reduce taxes and pay down national debt.
  • Impact on Indian Workers: Indian-origin tech firms receive nearly one-fifth of all H-1B visas, making Indian technology professionals among the most affected.
  • Green Card Concerns: With Indians already facing decades-long waits for permanent residency, the higher annual visa cost could determine whether companies continue sponsoring employees.