Washington: A wave of confusion and panic has rippled through Indian communities and the global tech industry following a sudden announcement from the United States imposing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The move, unveiled by President Donald Trump, directly affects the largest group of beneficiaries of the U.S. skilled-worker program, predominantly Indian professionals.
The immediate aftermath of the announcement was dramatic. In one striking incident, an Emirates flight from San Francisco to Dubai was held on the tarmac for three hours as H-1B holders scrambled to determine whether they could re-enter the United States. Video footage captured onboard shows the flight captain attempting to calm anxious passengers while many checked their phones for updates. According to passengers, a number of individuals, particularly Indian nationals, chose to leave the aircraft amid the uncertainty.
Washington has defended the fee hike as a measure to curb what it calls “systemic abuse” of the H-1B program and to encourage the hiring of American workers. The H-1B visa, traditionally valid for three years with an optional three-year extension, has long been considered a vital tool for U.S. companies to maintain competitiveness and growth by attracting global talent.
However, the new $100,000 fee disproportionately impacts Indian professionals, who account for the majority of H-1B approvals in recent years. Analysts warn that this move could upend career trajectories for hundreds of thousands of skilled workers and disrupt the operational models of major tech companies that rely on international talent.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the potential humanitarian impact of the policy, emphasizing the disruption it may cause to families and expressing hope that U.S. authorities will address the situation “suitably.” The White House later clarified that the fee would apply only to new H-1B applications, not renewals.
For decades, the H-1B visa has served as a gateway for India’s brightest minds to contribute to the U.S. workforce, enabling individuals to ascend to leadership roles at major tech corporations. Notable examples include Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, Alphabet’s Sundar Pichai, IBM’s Arvind Krishna, and Adobe’s Shantanu Narayen all Indian-born professionals who leveraged the H-1B pathway to build transformative careers in America.
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), India’s leading trade body for IT firms, warned that the fee could create ripple effects across America’s innovation ecosystem and the broader employment market. Data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shows that Amazon has been the largest H-1B beneficiary in 2025, securing around 10,000 visas, followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with over 5,500 approvals. Under the new policy, this could translate to a staggering financial burden of $1 billion for Amazon and $550 million for TCS in a single year.
Industry analysts predict that U.S.-based IT service providers are unlikely to absorb the fee entirely. Research by Nomura suggests a likely shift towards increased offshoring and automation, with higher-cost H-1B visas reserved only for roles deemed absolutely critical. Hiring may also increase in “near-shore” locations such as Mexico and Canada, further reshaping global workforce strategies.
This visa policy comes amid escalating economic pressure on India, following the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods last month, justified by the U.S. as a response to India’s importation of Russian oil. Economists see the latest H-1B move as part of a broader trade and technology confrontation.
Yet some experts and observers argue the disruption may yield unexpected benefits for India. Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services, noted that while top talent may be deterred from relocating to the U.S., this could strengthen India’s domestic tech ecosystem, creating opportunities for innovation and business growth within the country. Mumbai resident Ashok Gupta echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is a loss for America, not India. Skilled professionals who remain will contribute to India’s progress and help the nation advance as a global innovation hub.”
As Indian professionals and tech companies digest the implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee, one thing is clear: the landscape for global talent mobility is entering uncharted territory, with potential consequences for careers, families, and the future of the international technology industry.