India Expresses Concerns Over US $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Impact On Skilled Talent Exchange, Economic Growth

In a significant policy shift, the United States announced a substantial increase in the annual fee for H-1B visa applications, raising it to $100,000. This move has elicited strong reactions from India, which is the largest beneficiary of the H-1B program. The Indian government and industry bodies have expressed concerns over the potential disruptions to skilled talent mobility, economic growth, and the humanitarian impact on families.

India's response on the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program by the US. - The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the...

- Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) September 20, 2025

India's initial response

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India issued a statement expressing that the full implications of the new H-1B visa fee are being studied. The MEA highlighted that skilled talent mobility has significantly contributed to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in both the United States and India. The government emphasised that policymakers should assess recent steps considering mutual benefits, including strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. Furthermore, the MEA noted that the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences due to the disruption caused for families and expressed hope that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by US authorities.

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