H-1B Visa Fee Hike: H-1B visa fees have risen manifold; just how difficult has it become for Indian professionals to move to the US?
H-1B Visa Fee Hike: The impact of major changes to H-1B visa regulations is now clearly visible. A massive hike in visa fees and difficulties surrounding renewals have raised concerns for many.
H-1B Visa Fee Hike: For thousands of Indian professionals dreaming of working in the US, the situation appears significantly more challenging than before. The impact of major changes to H-1B visa regulations is now clearly visible. A massive hike in visa fees, changes to the application process, and difficulties regarding renewals have caused anxiety for many.
The most significant indicator of this is the sharp decline in H-1B visa applications. Many Indian professionals are facing months-long waits for visa interviews, while some have even lost their jobs because their visas could not be renewed. Let us examine how the hike in H-1B visa fees has made it more difficult for Indian professionals to move to the US.
H-1B visa fees have risen manifold
US President Donald Trump has significantly tightened H-1B visa regulations. The most substantial change concerns the visa fee. Previously, the H-1B visa fee was $1,000 (approximately ₹85,000); this has been raised to $100,000 (approximately ₹85 lakh). This represents an increase of nearly 100-fold.
Applications dropped by 132,000 following the fee hike
The impact of the visa fee hike is directly reflected in the number of H-1B applications. Only 211,600 Indian professionals applied for the H-1B visa lottery for the year 2027. While the figure stood at 343,981 for 2026, there has been a drop of approximately 132,000 applications this time around.
Changes to H-1B Visa Lottery Rules
On July 15, the US immigration authorities announced that no new applications for the H-1B visa lottery would be accepted. Additionally, the lottery process itself has been modified this year; previously, the lottery was conducted twice a year, but now it will take place only once.
H-1B Visa Renewals in July
H-1B visa renewals in the US typically take place in July. Many Indian professionals are currently concerned about their future. Difficulties surrounding visa renewals are impacting the jobs and careers of many individuals.
How Difficult Has It Become for Indian Professionals to Move to the US?
Following changes to H-1B visa regulations, it has become significantly harder for Indian professionals to move to the US for work. A major factor is the hike in H-1B visa fees from $1,000 (approximately ₹85,000) to $100,000 (approximately ₹85 lakh), a change that has also affected application numbers. Furthermore, the H-1B visa lottery is now held only once a year, whereas there used to be two opportunities annually. Many Indian professionals face waits of up to 10 months for visa interviews, while others have lost their jobs due to non-renewal of their visas. Consequently, increased costs, stricter rules, and lengthy processes have made securing and retaining a job in the US far more challenging for Indian professionals than in the past.
Indians Top the List of H-1B Visa Recipients
Data from the past five years indicates that approximately seven out of every ten H-1B visa recipients are Indian. The share of Indians stood at 74 percent in 2021 and remained at 73 percent in both 2022 and 2023. Subsequently, it declined to 71 percent in 2024 and 70 percent in 2025. Despite this slight drop in percentage, Indians continue to constitute the largest group among H-1B visa recipients.
Which companies secured the most H-1B visas?
According to the data, major tech companies lead the way in securing H-1B visas. Amazon topped the list, securing 14,532 H-1B visas. It was followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with 5,293, Microsoft with 4,863, Meta with 4,740, Apple with 4,610, and Google with 4,509 visas. US and global tech companies make the most extensive use of the H-1B visa program to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly Indian IT and tech talent.
