US raises H-1B visa fee to Rs 88 Lakh from today; Who will be impacted and who gets exemption?

According to the Trump administration’s order, if an American company wishes to hire an employee from abroad on an H-1B visa, it will have to pay a hefty fee of Rs 8.8 million.

Washington DC: The US has significantly increased the fees for H-1B visas. President Donald Trump's government has increased the fee from Rs 600,000 to Rs 8.8 million (approximately $1.8 million). This new fee has come into effect on September 21. Following this decision, many questions have arisen among H-1B visa holders and applicants. Let's explore who will be affected by this new system and its impact on India.

Who Will Be Subject To New Fee And Who Will Be Exempt?

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified that this Rs 8.8 million fee will only apply to new H-1B visa holders. Current visa holders will be exempt. Those already in the US or arriving soon will not have to pay this new fee.

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Additionally, if a company or worker is linked to US national security, economic interests, or the public good, the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the fee. This means that exemptions are possible in certain special cases.

Who Will Have To Pay Hefty Fee?

According to the Trump administration's order, if an American company wishes to hire an employee from abroad on an H-1B visa, it will have to pay a hefty fee of Rs 8.8 million. This fee will not apply directly to the visa holder, but to the employer. The aim is to force companies to be more financially mindful of hiring employees from abroad.

H-1B Alert: From 21 Sept, US hikes H-1B visa fees to $88,000 for new applicants! Current holders safe, Exemptions for security/public interest. Indian professionals may face fewer opportunities abroad. #h1bvisa #USVisa #IndiaImpact pic.twitter.com/fa5F4ho9fM

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) September 21, 2025

What Will Impact Be On India?

India accounts for approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders traveling to the US. This new fee increase may make American companies reluctant to hire employees from abroad and may prioritize American citizens. This could reduce employment opportunities from countries like India. This could further exacerbate the unemployment problem in India.

What Is H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a type of work visa that allows American companies to hire foreign professionals, such as scientists, engineers, computer programmers, etc. Its validity period is three years, extendable to six years.

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Trump Administration's Motives For Fee Hike

Trump has emphasized his "America First" policy since his election campaign. He claims that the H-1B visa is being misused, with companies employing foreign workers at lower wages, taking jobs away from American workers. The new rules will allow only highly skilled professionals to come to the United States and protect the jobs of American citizens.