[By Our Correspondent Devansh Desai]
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that it, along with key stakeholders including the Indian industry, is thoroughly assessing the impact of the United States’ decision to significantly increase the H-1B visa application fee.
According to the MEA, Indian industry leaders have already released an initial report addressing misconceptions about the H-1B visa program.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation raising the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year, a move aligned with the administration’s broader efforts to curb immigration.
The MEA emphasized the importance of skilled talent mobility, stating, “The exchange of skilled professionals has significantly driven technological advancement, innovation, economic progress, competitiveness, and prosperity in both India and the United States. Policymakers will evaluate these recent changes with a focus on mutual benefits, including the strong people-to-people ties between our nations.”
The ministry also highlighted potential humanitarian challenges, noting that the fee hike could disrupt families. It expressed hope that “U.S. authorities will take appropriate steps to address these disruptions.”
Also read: Trump Slaps $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas in Bold Immigration Overhaul
Industry group Nasscom raised alarms on Saturday, warning that the steep fee increase could disrupt India’s IT services sector, particularly for projects requiring on-site operations in the US. The organization noted that businesses may face significant “adjustments” to maintain continuity.
Nasscom also criticized the tight implementation timeline, set for September 21, 2025, arguing that the one-day notice period creates substantial uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students worldwide.
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