Explained: Donald Trump’s New H-1B Visa Fee and Its Impact on Indians
In a fresh crackdown on immigration, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation increasing the H-1B visa sponsorship fee to $100,000. The White House claims this will ensure only “highly skilled” foreign workers enter the US, preventing them from replacing American employees.
Also Read: Trump changes H-1B visa rules, US to charge 8.8 million in fees for new applications
Why Target H-1B?
White House staff secretary Will Scharf called the H-1B program “one of the most abused visa systems.” He said the steep fee will force companies to bring in only highly skilled workers and discourage misuse of the system.
What Is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa, introduced in 1990, allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and science. It is usually granted for three years and extendable up to six. Applicants are chosen through a lottery system managed by the USCIS.
Impact on Indians
Indians are the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B program, making up over 70% of approvals in recent years. With tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta sponsoring thousands of visas, the new fee is expected to hit Indian professionals and companies the hardest. Renewals will become costlier too, as applicants waiting for Green Cards may need to pay rs88 lakh multiple times over the years.
.@POTUS signs a Proclamation to restrict the entry of certain H-1B aliens into the U.S. as nonimmigrant workers, requiring a $100,000 payment to accompany or supplement H-1B petitions for new applications.
AMERICA FIRST! pic.twitter.com/AzAUJzXawV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 19, 2025
Citizenship Test Revamp
Alongside the visa hike, the Trump administration is reintroducing a tougher citizenship test. Applicants must answer 12 out of 20 oral questions from a pool of 128, covering US history and politics.
Donald Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa
Trump has also announced a new ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme costing $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses. The program aims to attract “extraordinary” talent and wealthy investors who can create jobs for Americans.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued that the current employment-based Green Card system was “illogical” and allowed in too many low-income immigrants. The new plan, he said, would ensure only top-tier talent gets entry.
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