Hyderabad: The US announcement of a sweeping hike in H-1B visa fees, raising annual sponsorship costs to $1,00,000 per employee from Sept 21, has triggered widespread anxiety among Indian professionals—the largest group of H-1B holders—and confusion among employers who rely on them. For many, the timing could not have been worse. “I’ve been in the US for a decade after completing my MSc. I work in Chicago and came to India with barely one suitcase for two weeks. My stamping is scheduled at the Hyderabad consulate on Sept 22. My wife and child are in the US, and I’m stuck here,” said one professional. He recalled booking his appointment after spotting available slots in Chennai and Hyderabad. “I never imagined such a situation. I cannot fly back by Sept 21, and no employer will pay $100K regardless of my contributions. I don’t even know if my visa will be stamped,” he added. The US move is expected to hit India hardest. Of the 3.9 lakh H-1B visas approved in 2024, 71% went to Indians, with China accounting for just 11.7%. India has historically dominated the H-1B program, underscoring the crucial role of Indian IT and tech talent in the US workforce. Even those still in the US are on edge. A software engineer in Los Angeles, with a Nov stamping scheduled in Hyderabad, said her company advised her not to travel. “I haven’t seen my parents in over two years, but I can’t risk my career if I get stuck in India.” Some companies are already preparing to fight back. A Chicago-based professional with a Dec stamping said his employer’s legal team is exploring a court challenge to the new rule. Experts suggest the upheaval could have broader implications. “If US opportunities become unviable, talent may return to India, strengthening the tech ecosystem and startups. Companies might also shift more projects to India rather than incur steep sponsorship costs,” said immigration consultant Ankit Jain. He added that his firm has received dozens of panic calls and is advising clients to stay put or wait for clarity, assuring that companies are likely to take action soon. The fee hike has left many professionals in limbo, highlighting the growing stakes for Indian talent navigating global mobility and US immigration policy.
