India Responds to US H1B Visa Fee Hike

The Government of India has expressed concern over the United States’ latest restrictions on the H1B visa program, following President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing steep new fees on applicants.

According to the order, applicants to the H1B program for skilled foreign workers will now be required to pay an annual fee of $100,000 (£74,000). The White House stated that the measure is aimed at curbing “abuse” of the program, warning that entry will be restricted unless the fee is paid.

While critics in the US have long argued that the H1B system undercuts domestic workers, supporters — including billionaire Elon Musk — insist that the program enables the United States to attract world-class talent and remain globally competitive.

In a separate executive action, President Trump also announced the creation of a new “gold card” visa, designed to fast-track immigration for certain applicants who can pay fees starting at £1 million.

Responding to these developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that it is closely studying the implications of the move in consultation with industry stakeholders. The government stressed that industries in both India and the US have a shared interest in innovation and creativity, and will need to engage in dialogue to find a constructive path forward.

“Skilled talent mobility and exchanges have contributed enormously to technology development, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both countries,” the ministry said. “Policymakers must therefore weigh recent steps against the mutual benefits, including strong people-to-people ties between India and the United States.”

The statement also warned that the measures could carry humanitarian consequences, particularly through disruptions faced by families, urging US authorities to consider solutions to mitigate such impacts.