Janhit: Trump Tightens H-1B Visa Rules, A Major Setback for Indian IT Professionals | ABP NEWS

In a move that has sparked widespread concern, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to tighten rules around the H-1B visa program. The decision includes a sharp hike in application fees — now set at $100,000 annually (approx. ₹88 lakh), up from the earlier ₹1 lakh. This significant change takes effect from Sunday, September 21. The H-1B visa, which allows skilled foreign workers to be employed in the U.S. for up to six years, has long been a gateway for Indian IT professionals. With over 70% of H-1B recipients being Indian, the impact of this policy shift is expected to be massive. In 2023 alone, 2.88 lakh Indians were granted H-1B visas out of 4 lakh total. Major Indian companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Cognizant, along with global giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are likely to face difficulties hiring Indian talent under the new rules. The Indian IT sector, which drives nearly $200 billion in U.S.-linked business annually, now faces uncertainty. Indian political opposition has criticized the move, calling it a failure of foreign policy. Meanwhile, the Indian government has expressed hope for a resolution through diplomatic and legal channels.

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