H-1B Visa Fees Soar to $100,000, Exceeding Annual Income of 60% of Indian Workers

The Trump administration has significantly increased H-1B visa fees, effective September 21, raising concerns among thousands of Indian professionals seeking jobs in the US. Previously ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, the fee has now surged to $100,000 (approximately ₹8.8 million). The administration claims this move will not affect American jobs, but it is expected to impact Indians the most, as they make up 70% of H-1B visa holders.

US Treasury Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that this is a one-time fee and does not apply to current H-1B visa holders. However, a report shows that 60% of Indian H-1B workers earn less than $100,000 annually, meaning the new fee exceeds their yearly income.

Data from Bloomberg based on 2024 H-1B applications reveals that Indian visa holders earned an average salary of $95,500, the lowest among all nationalities. About 12% earned less than $75,000, 47% earned between $75,000 and $100,000, and only 40% earned above $100,000. In comparison, more than 60% of non-Indian H-1B workers earned over $100,000, with an average annual salary of $120,000. Indian salaries were slightly higher than those of Pakistani and Nepali workers, placing India fifth from the bottom among 25 countries with reliable data.

The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, and medicine. Indians accounted for 71% of all H-1B visa holders in fiscal year 2024, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the fee hike on Indian professionals.