With 530 H-1B approvals in FY2024, Sri Lanka’s share of U.S. high-skilled migration is small but growing. Most Sri Lankans entering on H-1B visas are in IT or academic fields.
The new $100,000 fee could disproportionately impact Sri Lankan applicants, given the country’s relatively lower volume and lack of corporate representation in the U.S.
The policy may prompt Sri Lankan professionals to pursue alternative destinations like Australia or Europe. Domestic tech associations are calling for stronger bilateral programs to protect skilled migration routes.