New Delhi: Recent changes in U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump are prompting Indian students and professionals to reconsider their plans to study and work in the United States. The steep increase in H-1B visa application fees, rising from around $2,000–$5,000 to $100,000, has created uncertainty and financial pressure for many aspiring migrants.

The H-1B visa has traditionally been a key pathway for Indian tech talent to transition from education to employment in the U.S. However, the new rules are leading many students to explore alternative destinations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany, which offer more stable environments for skilled professionals.

Indian IT companies, heavily reliant on the U.S. market, are also reassessing their staffing strategies. The higher visa costs have caused a drop in the market value of several IT firms, pushing them to consider increasing offshore operations in India, Mexico, and the Philippines while hiring more U.S.-based employees.

The policy shift has broader implications for the Indian economy. Concerns over U.S. visa restrictions, along with portfolio outflows, have contributed to vulnerabilities in the Indian rupee. While some clarifications on the H-1B visa rules have been issued, uncertainty remains, and the long-term impact on Indian students and professionals continues to develop.

The situation highlights the growing need for Indian students and companies to diversify global opportunities in response to changing U.S. immigration policies.