New Delhi: India is actively engaging with the United States and industry stakeholders following the Trump administration’s proposal to levy a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, a move expected to significantly impact Indian professionals, who make up nearly 75% of all H-1B recipients in the past decade.
External affairs ministry (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Friday that the Indian side is in close touch with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has issued a notification on the proposed rule changes. DHS has also given stakeholders a month to provide feedback.
“As to how it’s going to play out, this is still an evolving situation and we remain engaged at various levels,” Jaiswal said, referring to discussions between the MEA, the Indian embassy in Washington, and the US administration.
The new measures, unveiled by President Donald Trump last week as part of an effort to curb “abuse” of the H-1B system — which his administration has labelled a “national security threat” — include the hefty one-time fee for fresh applications.
Jaiswal emphasized that Indian professionals’ presence in the US benefits both countries. “Skilled talent mobility and exchanges between India and the US have contributed significantly to innovation, wealth creation, economic growth, competitiveness, and productivity in the two economies,” he said.
The sharp visa fee hike comes at a time when India-US ties are already strained over tariffs and trade disputes. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, including penalties on Russian oil-linked imports, and the US has now proposed 100% tariffs on Indian pharmaceuticals, large trucks, and furniture starting October 1.
Jaiswal noted that Indian authorities are reviewing the tariff proposal while ongoing bilateral trade negotiations continue. “These discussions naturally cover all areas of interest to us,” he added.
Meanwhile, India also raised concerns over deportations, with the US repatriating 2,417 Indian nationals between January 20 and September 25, including 73-year-old Harjit Kaur, who had lived in the US for three decades. Jaiswal reiterated India’s opposition to illegal migration, stressing that efforts are underway to crack down on agents who promote such activities.
India Engages US Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Amid Trade Tensions
