The United States has announced a significant increase in fees for H-1B visa applications, raising the cost to USD 100,000 from the previous range of USD 2,000 to USD 5,000. This change, described by the Trump administration as a measure to protect American jobs, is expected to have a major impact on foreign workers, particularly those from India and China, who represent a large portion of H-1B holders.

The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields requiring advanced knowledge, such as software engineering, medicine, and finance. The program operates on a lottery system with an annual cap of 85,000 visas. Many international students in the US rely on the H-1B visa to secure long-term employment after graduation.

Critics argue that the new fee structure will deter skilled professionals from applying to work in the US, especially as other countries like Canada and Australia offer more accessible migration pathways. The fee hike may also lead to a reduction in sponsorship opportunities from smaller firms, which could result in a brain drain as talented individuals seek opportunities elsewhere.

Balachandar Karthikeyan, CEO of Bringar, expressed support for the fee increase, stating it would encourage companies to invest in local talent rather than relying on foreign workers. He noted that this could enhance the tech ecosystem in India, as many skilled Indian professionals might choose to establish businesses in their home country.

In a joint interview, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI chief Sam Altman also backed the fee increase, suggesting it would help attract only the most exceptional talent. Huang emphasized the importance of immigration for the American Dream, while Altman highlighted the need for the smartest individuals in the country.

The White House clarified that the new fee applies only to fresh applications and not to renewals for existing visa holders. While some in the tech industry view the fee hike as a necessary filter for immigration, others fear it could choke the talent pipeline and harm smaller firms. The debate continues as stakeholders assess the long-term implications of this policy shift.