India’s initial reaction to Donald Trump’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee highlights possible implications for professionals and families
India studies effects of Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, warns of family disruption
On Saturday, India said it is reviewing the impact of the United States’ decision to introduce an annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visas, cautioning that such a move could create “humanitarian challenges.”
“The government has noted reports regarding the proposed curbs on the H-1B visa scheme in the US. The overall effects of this decision are being assessed by all stakeholders, including Indian industry, which has already shared an initial analysis to clarify certain misconceptions about the H-1B program,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
The ministry highlighted that India and the US both rely on “innovation and creativity” and emphasized that the two sides are expected to consult on “the most constructive way forward.”
According to the MEA, the movement of skilled professionals has played a vital role in driving technology, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both nations. “Policy makers will therefore weigh recent developments by considering the shared advantages, including the strong people-to-people links between India and the US,” it added.
The MEA further warned that the new fee requirement could cause “humanitarian consequences, particularly due to the disruption it would bring to families.”
Trump’s visa order
On Friday, US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation increasing the H-1B visa fee from the current $1,000–$5,000 range to $100,000 per year. The move is part of his administration’s broader push to tighten immigration rules.
India, which accounts for nearly 71% of H-1B holders, is expected to bear the brunt of this change. Around 300,000 Indian professionals—mostly in the tech sector—are currently working in the US under H-1B visas.
According to an HT analysis, Trump’s fee hike is effectively designed to dismantle the program. The new $100,000 annual fee is higher than the median yearly salary of a new H-1B worker and exceeds 80% of the average annual salary for all current H-1B holders.
The visa fee announcement comes during a period of strain in India-US ties. Recently, Washington imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff effective August 7, followed by another 25% penalty linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil on August 27—bringing the total tariff rate to 50%.
Yet, there were signs of easing tensions when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump exchanged cordial messages on social media.
Hours after Trump’s proclamation, PM Modi, speaking at a public gathering in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, stressed the importance of self-reliance. He said India’s true challenge lies in its “dependence on foreign nations.”
