HighLights
  1. Trump extends $100,000 H-1B visa fee until September 2027.
  2. Aimed at curbing H-1B program abuse and prioritizing higher-paid workers.
  3. Significant impact expected on Indian professionals and US employers.

H-1B Visa Update: US President Donald Trump on Friday extended the USD 1,00,000 H-1B visa fee for another year. The measure now remains in place until September 21, 2027, while legal challenges against the policy continue in US courts. The move is significant for Indian professionals and companies, as Indians account for the largest share of approved H-1B beneficiaries.

What Trump’s New H-1B Order Says

Releasing the order signed by Trump, the White House said the extension is aimed at addressing what the administration describes as abuse of the H-1B programme, particularly by IT staffing, outsourcing and placement companies. The administration has alleged that some companies use H-1B workers for lower-paid jobs, replace US workers and later move some work overseas.

The order also directs US agencies to share information on wages, employment and education while reviewing H-1B petitions and visas. “The abuse of cheaper H-1B labor places downward pressure on domestic pay. H-1B visa holders earn far less than comparable United States-born workers, despite the statutory mandate that H-1B workers be paid equally to their domestic peers, with the estimated wage gap starting at $9,000 and climbing as high as $20,000 in H-1B reliant industries,” the order read.

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Selection Process Changed

The administration has also introduced a weighted H-1B selection system. It gives greater priority to higher-skilled and higher-paid applicants.

What Does It Mean For Indian Workers?

The move is expected to have a significant impact on Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa beneficiaries. The USD 1,00,000 fee may make some US employers more cautious about hiring or sponsoring Indian workers, especially for new H-1B applications from outside the US. The shift towards higher-paid and higher-skilled applicants may also increase the importance of salary levels and qualifications in the selection process.

However, the actual impact will depend on how the fee is applied and the outcome of ongoing legal challenges.

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