$100k fees for H-1B visa: India assures continued talks with US; focus on 'skilled talent mobility and exchange'

India continues its engagement with the Trump administration and relevant stakeholders regarding Washington's proposed rules to increase H-1B visa application fees to $100,000.

In its Friday briefing, the MEA emphasised that skilled workforce mobility has significantly benefited both nations' innovation, economic progress and wealth generation. "We have seen the notice by the US Department of Homeland Security regarding the proposed rulemaking. I understand that stakeholders including the industry have one month to provide their comments," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.



"As we stated earlier, skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in the United States and India," he added.
Further assuring continued discussions, the spokesperson added, "We would remain engaged with all concerned including the industry, hoping that these factors receive due consideration."

The substantial increase in H-1B visa application fees proposed by US President Trump is likely to affect Indian citizens, who have historically represented approximately 70 per cent of H-1B visa recipients.

"As to how it's going to play out, this is still an evolving situation and we remain engaged at various levels," Jaiswal further said, discussing communications between the external affairs ministry, Indian embassy in Washington and the Trump administration.

The decision coincides with strained bilateral relations following Washington's implementation of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products, last month.

These employment visa limitations are considered part of broader immigration control measures. The H-1B programme enables organisations to recruit overseas specialists for US-based positions, initially valid for three years with a possible three-year extension.

Currently, companies pay between $2,000 to $5,000 for H-1B visa sponsorship, based on company size and additional expenses.

Jaiswal mentioned that External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and commerce minister Piyush Goyal met with US secretary of state Marco Rubio and US trade representative Jamieson Greer during the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22. "The focus of the discussion was on trade and tariffs. Other aspects of our bilateral relationship were also reviewed," he said.

Meanwhile, addressing the latest development around tariffs i.e. the implementation of 100 per cent tariffs on pharmaceutical products, large trucks and furniture from October 1, Jaiswal indicated that relevant Indian government departments are examining the situation. "As you are aware, India and the US are involved in (negotiations for) a bilateral trade agreement over the last few months. These ongoing discussions naturally cover all areas of interest to us," he said.

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