H-1B Visa $100,000 Fee: Impact on India
Why in the news
A September 2025 US proclamation sharply raised the cost of hiring skilled foreign workers.
Key facts
- Fee: $100,000 per sponsorship, up from a few thousand dollars.
- Stated aims: prevent misuse, ensure skilled hiring, protect US jobs and wages.
Implications for India
- Higher compliance costs for Indian IT firms.
- Fewer openings for mid-level professionals.
- Possible nearshoring to Canada or Mexico, or domestic outsourcing.
- US firms may speed up automation and AI.
About H-1B
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-immigrant visa, specialty occupations |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree or above in relevant field |
| Validity | 3 years, extendable to 6 |
| Sponsor | US employer petition; prevailing wages |
Exam angle
- Indian share: about 71%.
- Concern: Green Card backlogs over 10 years.