Mon, 22 Sep 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa shock: Why US may lose more than India

India may adapt, but the US risks losing skilled workers who have helped build the Silicon Valley and hospitals.
H-1B Visa Fee Hike Causes Chaos and Uncertainty A surprise announcement by US President Donald Trump on Friday sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with plans to increase the cost of skilled worker permits (H-1B visas) from $4,500 to $100,000. The move sparked chaos among Indian nationals who make up 70% of H-1B recipients. The White House quickly backtracked on Saturday, clarifying that the fee hike only applies to new applicants and is a one-time change. However, the policy's long-term impact remains uncertain. Critics argue that the increased fee will lead to labor shortages in key industries like tech and medicine, which heavily rely on H-1B holders. Indian outsourcing giants may be forced to rethink their staffing models and shift work offshore. The policy could also have far-reaching consequences for US companies, including hospitals facing doctor shortages and universities struggling to attract STEM students. The impact on Indian students studying in the US is already being felt, with some predicting a significant decline in international student enrollment next year. Immigration lawyers expect the fee hike to face legal challenges soon, which may lead to further changes or even rollbacks of the policy. The full impact of the H-1B visa fee hike remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: it will be a stress test for US companies and the economy as a whole.
  >>