The Trump administration’s sudden decision to impose a $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B visa applications has triggered confusion and alarm among Indian technology professionals, who make up the majority of recipients. The policy takes effect Sunday.
H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
Reports of Indian workers abroad rushing to return to the United States and disrupted flights underscored the uncertainty. At San Francisco International Airport, several Indian passengers disembarked from an Emirates flight before takeoff, citing fear of being denied re-entry.
The White House later clarified the fee applies only to new applicants, not renewals, after earlier remarks from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested otherwise.
India’s government warned of humanitarian consequences, while the Indian Embassy in Washington opened an emergency helpline. U.S. tech firms, including Amazon and Google, urged employees to avoid international travel. Immigration experts and business groups criticized the abrupt rollout, warning of potential economic fallout.