Trump Slaps $100K Fee on H-1B Visas, Raising Concerns for Indian Tech Workers

In a move that could dramatically impact global tech talent flows, U.S. President Donald Trump on September 19, 2025, signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The administration argues the hike will ensure only “highly skilled” professionals are brought into the U.S., without displacing American workers.

The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allows U.S. companies to hire foreign experts in fields such as IT, engineering, and science. Valid for three years and extendable to six, the program has long been dominated by Indian professionals, who accounted for 71% of approvals in 2024, followed by China at 11.7%.

Major tech firms like Amazon (with over 12,000 approvals), Microsoft, and Meta (5,000+ each) rely heavily on H-1B visas. For these companies, the new fee could mean billions in extra costs, potentially forcing a rethink in hiring strategies. For individuals, especially those stuck in long green card backlogs, the repeated visa renewals could now cost crores of rupees.

White House staff secretary Will Scharf called H-1B “one of the most abused visa programs,” insisting the steep fee ensures only top-tier talent enters the U.S. Trump reinforced this, stating: “We need great workers, and this ensures that’s what will happen.”

The proclamation also revives a tougher citizenship test and introduces a “Gold Card” visa program—priced at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses—targeting entrepreneurs and innovators who can create wealth and jobs in America.

For Indian professionals, the announcement signals a sharp rise in barriers to U.S. opportunities. Analysts warn it could fuel a “reverse brain drain,” with skilled workers staying in or returning to India, strengthening its own fast-growing tech ecosystem.