Trump moves to hike H-1B visa fee to over $100,000: What it means for Indians

The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, is set to hike the fee for H-1B visas, the work permits granting highly skilled foreign workers access to the United States, to over $100,000. Should the proposal become permanent, it would mark a significant increase from the initial temporary hike of $100,000 that expired in September last year.

The move is contentious and could have major implications for Indian nationals working in the US, given that approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders are from India. The proposal, announced on August 24, 2026, is currently under review by a federal judge in Boston and an appeals court, with its finalisation pending a 30-day public comment period following its publication in the Federal Register.

The fee hike, if approved, would apply only to new H-1B petitions, not renewals or extensions. The proposed fee stands at $103,265 and would be levied by the sponsoring employer upon filing the petition.