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Trump imposes $100K H-1B visa fee from Sept 21; could impact Indian tech workers

Internet

Internet · 2d ago

Trump imposes $100K H-1B visa fee from Sept 21; could impact Indian tech workers

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa application, effective September 21, 2025, for 12 months. The move aims to curb “systemic abuse” of the program, encourage hiring of American workers, and reduce reliance on foreign talent. Indians, who account for over 70% of H-1B holders, will be most affected — renewals will become costly, job mobility limited, and many may consider returning to India or moving to Canada, the UK, or UAE. Immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn warns this creates major uncertainty for Indian professionals. The order is expected to face legal challenges, as critics question its basis and its impact on US tech companies’ ability to hire specialized talent.

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Trump 2.0 to threaten H-1B plans of tech companies

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Trump 2.0 to threaten H-1B plans of tech companies

The possibility of a second Trump administration has raised concerns about the anti-immigration agenda and its impact on the H-1B visa program. The proposed fee hikes for H-1B visas are causing alarm in the tech industry, with registration fees set to increase by 2,050% and application fees by 70% from 2025. There is uncertainty about the future of immigration policies under Trump, as his first administration saw an increase in H-1B visa denial rates. The fee increases will affect the cost of bringing in talent, particularly when there is already a high demand for skilled workers.

H-1B sparks homecoming; Indian IT's $100k headache

Economic Times

Economic Times · 14h ago

H-1B sparks homecoming; Indian IT's $100k headache

The U.S. government's proposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications may redirect global tech talent back to India, potentially bolstering its AI, SaaS, and deep-tech sectors. The fee could cause a reverse brain drain, as U.S. firms avoid high costs of sponsoring new hires. Indian IT companies face increased costs, potentially affecting project margins and timelines. Meanwhile, several Indian techies explore alternative visas or remote work options in response to the potential changes.

Tremors in Tech Inc as Trump rocks H-1B dream - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1d ago

Tremors in Tech Inc as Trump rocks H-1B dream - The Economic Times

The Indian government is monitoring the impact of a new US order imposing a $100,000 H-1B visa sponsorship fee, mainly affecting Indian professionals. Existing visa holders are exempt, focusing on travelling concerns. Advocacy groups plan legal challenges. Leading US firms advised employees on potential disruptions. India's IT firms, having reduced reliance on H-1B visas with local hiring, expect minimal business impact. The Indian ministry is addressing stranded citizens' issues, amidst increased visa scrutiny.

Indian IT services companies shed reliance on H-1B visas

Livemint

Livemint · 8m ago

Indian IT services companies shed reliance on H-1B visas

Indian IT services companies are reducing reliance on H-1B visas as their hiring in the U.S. increases. The H-1B visas, critical for employing foreign nationals in specialized roles, saw a decline in numbers over the decade, with companies like Infosys and Cognizant leading local hiring efforts. Despite mitigated vulnerability, potential visa restrictions and increased salary requirements could impact costs. Industry advocates highlight the essential role of H-1B workers in bridging U.S. skills gaps.

Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, other H-1B beneficiaries silent on new rules - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1d ago

Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, other H-1B beneficiaries silent on new rules - The Economic Times

Several tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, and Sundar Pichai, who've benefited from the H-1B visa system, remained silent on new U.S. rules imposing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions. The rule aims to restrict entries to highly skilled individuals, affecting many in Silicon Valley, particularly Indian tech professionals. This move by the Trump administration drew criticism, with Musk previously expressing strong opposition to changes in the H-1B policy.

Hiring strategy of Indian AI startups in US goes for toss - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 15h ago

Hiring strategy of Indian AI startups in US goes for toss - The Economic Times

Indian AI startups are reassessing their US hiring strategies due to the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee by the Trump administration. While some startups are rethinking hiring plans, others see minimal impact. Many founders have moved to the US to access better talent and investment opportunities. However, due to visa uncertainties, some plan to focus on hiring in India instead. The increased fee could significantly affect startup growth strategies, given the high cost.

Musk effect: Behind Trump's changing stance on H-1B visas

Economic Times

Economic Times · 8m ago

Musk effect: Behind Trump's changing stance on H-1B visas

Amidst controversy over the H-1B visa system, President-elect Donald Trump expressed support for high-skilled immigration, endorsing Elon Musk's stance. Despite previously restricting access to H-1B visas, citing negative impacts on workers, Trump now acknowledges a domestic talent shortage highlighted by Musk. He proposes allowing foreign graduates from U.S. universities to stay and contribute economically. The shift comes amid both support and vitriolic comments about Indian-origin tech leaders, with Musk condemning such racism.

Trump’s Visa Blow To Indian Tech, Jar’s FY25 Pot & More

Inc42 · 8h ago

Trump’s Visa Blow To Indian Tech, Jar’s FY25 Pot & More

The Trump administration has introduced a significant $100,000 annual fee for foreigners on H-1B visas, impacting a large number of Indian workers, as they make up over 70% of all H-1B visa recipients. This move raises questions about the future prospects for Indian talent in the U.S., signaling either the end of an era or the beginning of a new phase for Indian professionals seeking opportunities abroad.

H-1B holders see a glimmer of hope in UK's social security payouts deal

Economic Times

Economic Times · 4m ago

H-1B holders see a glimmer of hope in UK's social security payouts deal

The UK's exemption for Indian professionals from paying social security contributions could inspire the US to reconsider its policies for H-1B visa holders. In the US, H-1B workers pay up to 15.3% in social security taxes without eligibility for benefits unless they complete ten years. The UK's decision is part of a trade agreement and could lead to savings for Indian IT employees. India aims for a similar agreement with the US to address double taxation concerns.

Prickly US softens H-1B visa demand

Economic Times

Economic Times · 4m ago

Prickly US softens H-1B visa demand

The number of H-1B visa applications for FY26 dropped 25% to 358,737, with 120,141 shortlisted, due to increased visa costs and economic downturns, prompting layoffs. Factors include a steeper fee now at $215, President Trump's tighter immigration stance, and reduced demand from tech companies like Microsoft and Meta. Students hesitant about Optional Practical Training (OPT) are returning home instead of staying in the U.S., impacting visa application numbers further.

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