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India warns new US fee for H-1B visa will have 'humanitarian consequences'

September 20, 2025

The Indian government has expressed concern over President Trump's new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, stating it will have "humanitarian consequences" by disrupting families. The fee, which is over 60 times the current amount, will take effect on September 21 and primarily impacts Indian workers who receive about 70% of these skilled visas. While the White House clarified that current visa holders and renewal applicants won't be subject to the fee, major companies reportedly advised H-1B employees to remain in or quickly return to the US as a precaution.

Who is affected

  • Indian workers who make up over 70% of H-1B visa recipients
  • Families of visa holders facing potential disruption
  • US tech companies and their international employees (including Amazon, Microsoft, JP Morgan)
  • Foreign workers with "highly specialized knowledge" seeking employment in the US
  • Businesses, professionals, and students worldwide facing "considerable uncertainty"

What action is being taken

  • The Indian government is expressing concern about the humanitarian consequences of the new fee
  • India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the US on Monday for trade talks
  • Companies like Amazon are advising H-1B visa holders to remain in the US or return immediately as a precaution
  • The White House is clarifying that the new fee won't apply to current visa holders or renewal applications
  • The US government is allowing for "case-by-case exemptions if in the national interest"

Why it matters

  • The fee increase is more than 60 times the current amount ($100,000 vs. $1,500)
  • Indian workers receive approximately 70% of H-1B visas issued
  • The skilled worker exchange has "contributed enormously" to both nations according to India
  • The US and India are major trading partners, with the US exporting $41.5 billion to India in 2024 and importing $87.3 billion
  • The change creates significant uncertainty for international businesses and professionals
  • The White House claims some H-1B visas are being "abused" to undercut American wages and outsource IT jobs

What's next

  • India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal will visit the US on Monday for trade talks
  • The Indian government "hopes that these disruptions can be addressed suitably by the US authorities"

Read full article from source: BBC