The United States government, under President Donald Trump, has increased the H-1B visa fees to over Rs. 88 lakh (1 lakh USD) in an effort to control immigration and ensure that only highly skilled workers enter the country. The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after work visas, especially among Indians, who made up 71 per cent of visa holders last year. The new fee structure could significantly impact the career prospects of many Indian professionals aiming to work in the US.

H-1B visa holders are required to renew their visas periodically, and each renewal will now also require payment of the high fee, making it an expensive process. Many individuals might consider returning to their home countries to avoid these costs. However, major US tech companies like Meta and Microsoft have requested their employees not to leave the country for at least 14 days, and those residing abroad have been asked to return to the US within 24 hours.

What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is granted to individuals who want to work in a “speciality occupation” in the US. A speciality occupation requires highly specialised knowledge in fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Education, and the applicant must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The hiring company must sponsor the individual, file a petition on their behalf, and submit a verification letter through the project manager.
There is also the H-1B3 visa, specifically for fashion models, which requires the applicant to have distinguished merit and ability in modelling.

Alternatives to the H-1B Visa

Other visa options include the O-1 Visa, which allows individuals with high achievements in STEM or the entertainment industry to work in the US for up to three years, with possible extensions. Another option is the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa, which allows companies to transfer executives or managers to affiliated offices in the US.

For fiscal year 2026, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received enough petitions to meet both the 65,000 regular H-1B visa cap and the 20,000 US master’s cap, showing continued high demand despite the steep fee increase. The new fee hike is expected to affect thousands of Indian professionals, making it a major concern for individuals and companies that rely on skilled foreign talent in the US.