Trump Pushes $103,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration Blow

The Trump administration has proposed a massive $103,265 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers. The US Department of Homeland Security has opened a 30-day public comment process, with the rule potentially being finalised by year-end. The move could significantly affect Indian professionals, who accounted for 71% of approved H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal 2024. The fee was previously blocked by a federal judge and a Boston appeals court. With the temporary proclamation expiring in September, the new regulation could determine the future cost of hiring skilled foreign workers in America.