India Warns of “Humanitarian Consequences” as US Imposes $100,000 Fee on Skilled Worker Visas
The Indian government has raised serious concerns over a new $100,000 (₹8.8 million / £74,000) fee for H-1B skilled worker visa applications ordered by US President Donald Trump. Officials in New Delhi warned the measure will cause “humanitarian consequences,” disrupting families and creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals.
The new fee, which is more than 60 times higher than the current $1,500 charge, is set to take effect on 21 September.
India Hit Hardest by Visa Fee Hike
Workers from India are by far the largest recipients of H-1B visas, accounting for more than 70% of approvals annually. The visas allow US companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills, especially in technology and engineering.
With the announcement, several major US companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and JP Morgan, reportedly urged employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the country or return quickly if abroad.
The White House later clarified that the fee will not apply to current visa holders or renewals, only to new applications from workers outside the US.
India’s Official Response
In a statement, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the fee increase would create disruptions for families and communities, stressing that skilled worker exchange has “contributed enormously to both nations.”
The ministry added: “Policymakers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
No details were given on whether India will take reciprocal action. However, the statement highlighted that New Delhi “hopes disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities.”
Tensions in US-India Trade Relations
The decision comes amid strained trade ties between the two countries. Just last month, Washington imposed tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil.
The US exported $41.5 billion worth of goods to India in 2024, while imports from India more than doubled that figure, reaching $87.3 billion, according to the US Trade Representative’s office.
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to travel to the US this week for talks, with visa policy likely to be high on the agenda.
Business and Industry Reaction
India’s top IT industry body, Nasscom, warned that making such a dramatic change to the H-1B programme with little notice has created “considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students worldwide.”
The White House defended the move, saying H-1B visas are often “abused” to undercut American wages and outsource IT jobs. However, the proclamation allows “case-by-case exemptions” if deemed in the US national interest.
Who Uses the H-1B Visa?
According to Pew Research Center, nearly 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024, of which around 260,000 were renewals.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data shows that in the first half of 2025:
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Amazon received the most approvals (10,044)
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) followed with 5,505 approvals
The H-1B visa program is a lifeline for India’s IT and engineering professionals, many of whom work in the US for top tech companies.
What the New Rule Means
Under Trump’s order, applications filed for workers currently outside the US must now include the $100,000 fee. The directive does not ban H-1B holders abroad from re-entering, but businesses are acting cautiously.
An internal advisory from Amazon, seen by Business Insider, told employees unable to return before the deadline to avoid attempting US re-entry “until further guidance is provided.”