H1B Visa News September 2025: Trump Signs Order for $100,000 Annual Fee – Shocking Changes for Indian Tech Workers
By News Desk | Updated: September 20, 2025
President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a massive $100,000 annual fee on H1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025. This dramatic overhaul aims to curb what the administration calls “overuse” of the program for highly skilled foreign workers, primarily impacting Indian IT professionals who receive over 70% of H1B visas. Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Infosys are scrambling as airfares surge and employees rush back to the US.
What is the H1B Visa? A Quick Explainer
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa in the USA allowing US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, such as IT, engineering, and finance. It’s valid for three years, extendable to six, with an annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 regular + 20,000 for US master’s holders). Indians dominate, securing 71% of approvals in 2024 (399,395 total). The program fuels US innovation but faces criticism for displacing American jobs and undercutting wages.
H1B Visa Fees: Old vs New – A Cost Breakdown
Under the new policy, companies must pay $100,000 per year per H1B worker, on top of existing fees. This could total $300,000 over three years – more than the median salary of many entry-level H1B holders. Existing visas are unaffected, but renewals and new entries require the fee.
| Fee Type | Old Fee (2024) | New Fee (2025 Onward) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lottery Registration | $215 | $215 | Per beneficiary; unchanged |
| I-129 Petition Filing | $780 | $780 + $100,000 annual | Employer-paid; new fee applies to new/renewal petitions |
| MRV (Visa Interview) | $205 | $205 | Applicant-paid; unchanged |
| ACWIA Fee (Training) | $750–$1,500 | $750–$1,500 | Based on company size; unchanged |
| Total Estimated (First Year) | ~ $2,000–$5,000 | ~ $102,000–$105,000 | Excludes premium processing ($2,805 optional) |
The hike targets “high-value roles” and generates revenue while protecting US workers, per White House officials. Critics argue it’s illegal, as Congress only allows fees to cover processing costs.
Trump’s H1B Visa Policy: Key Changes and Reactions
- Fee Structure: $100,000/year per worker; exemptions possible for “national interest” cases.
- Entry Ban: H1B holders outside the US denied entry without fee payment, starting 12:01 AM ET, Sept 21.
- Wage Rules: DOL to revise prevailing wages to prevent undercutting US salaries.
- Gold Card Visa: New $1M (individual) or $2M (company-sponsored) fast-track to permanent residency.
Trump: “We’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying.” Tech leaders like Elon Musk (former H1B holder) support skilled immigration but warn of talent shortages.
Impact on India: Tech Firms, Workers, and Economy
With 71% of 2024 H1B visas going to Indians, the fee hike is a “direct attack” on Indian IT models. Nasscom warns of disrupted onshore projects and business continuity issues. Ex-Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai: It will “dampen fresh applications” and boost offshoring.
Top H1B Sponsors in 2025 (As of June)
| Company | H1B Approvals | Impact Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 10,044 | Advised employees to return by Sept 21; $1.2B+ extra cost potential |
| TCS | 5,505 | Indian IT giant; 10% of FY25 profits at risk |
| Microsoft | 5,189 | 24-hour return deadline for H1B/H4 holders |
| Meta | 5,123 | Heavy reliance on Indian talent |
| Infosys | 2,004 | Stock fell 4.5%; top Indian sponsor in 2024 (8,140 visas) |
Airfares from India to US surged (Delhi-US flights up to ₹50,000) amid panic returns. Some experts see upside: Reduced brain drain could boost India’s innovation. India’s MEA: Studying implications; hopes for humanitarian relief on family disruptions.
Latest Reactions on X (Twitter)
- @Zakka_Jacob: “Trump just killed the H1B visa… For Indian techies, the American dream just got killed.” (28K likes)
- @PriyankKharge: “Modi-Donald friendship turning expensive for India… Thank you Modiji.” (1.3K likes)
- @OnTheNewsBeat: “India should poach the 100K H1-B visa holders as national policy.” (2.9K likes)
- @mujifren: “We miss demonetisation/ ethanol/ h1b visa / tax terrorism.” (3.5K likes, satirical)
X users highlight chaos: “Mad rush at airports… Surge pricing crazy.” Broader sentiment: Frustration among NRIs, calls for India to retain talent.
