H-1B Visa Fee Hike to Impact Global Tech Giants and Spark Industry Response

The recent decision by the US to increase H-1B visa sponsorship fees to a staggering $100,000 per application is set to have far-reaching implications not only for Indian IT companies but also for American technology behemoths such as Amazon, Google, Apple, and Tesla. Prashant Girbane, Director General of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, highlighted this impact while speaking to ANI. Girbane emphasized that while the new fees apply only to fresh applications, they represent a hurdle for both Indian and American companies relying on international talent.

The hike has sparked strong reactions from Indian officials and industry stakeholders, who point out that Indian professionals have been instrumental in global technological advancements, including spearheading key projects at Tesla and contributing to innovations like ChatGPT. Girbane remarked on the potential loss for companies dependent on H-1B visas, while also seeing it as a chance for Indian manufacturers to enhance quality standards and decrease reliance on imported goods.

In a related development, the US State Department clarified that the new fees do not affect existing H-1B visa holders or petitions filed before the September 21, 2025, cut-off. Only petitions filed after this date will incur the new fee. The Department also indicated that agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services are poised to enforce these measures consistently.