The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday expressed concern that the steep hike in H-1B visa fees could have humanitarian consequences, particularly for Indian families dependent on the program. The ministry said it is assessing the implications and hopes Washington will address the matter through consultations.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation raising the annual H-1B visa sponsorship fee to $100,000 (₹88 lakh). Currently, H-1B visa application costs range between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on employer size and other variables.
According to Trump, the fee increase will ensure that foreign professionals brought into the US are “highly skilled” and do not displace American workers. “We need workers, we need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that’s what’s going to happen,” he said.
White House staff secretary Will Scharf echoed that sentiment, calling H-1B “one of the most abused visa programs” and defending the hike as a way to safeguard American jobs.
In a statement shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the government said:
“The government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H-1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B program.”
The MEA stressed that India and the US share mutual interests in innovation, technology, and creativity and can be expected to consult on “the best path forward.”