Announcing a sweeping overhaul of the H-1B visa system that, effectively, targets skilled Indians more than any other group, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Friday that will raise the fee for these visas to $100,000 (Rs 88 lakh) annually—making it prohibitively expensive for companies to hire Indian professionals in the US.

Currently, the H-1B visa fee ranges from about $2,000-$5,000 depending on employer size and other costs. The visas are valid for three years and can be renewed for another three years. Companies pay to sponsor H-1B applicants.

India-born professionals are the biggest beneficiaries of these visas. Between October 2022 and September 2023, 72% of the nearly 4 lakh visas issued under the H-1B programme went to Indian nationals. During the same pe

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