Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Alarm Among Indian Professionals; India Issues Emergency Helpline

Washington, Sept 2025 : In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Indian proft essional community, United States President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing an annual fee of $100,000 on H-1B visa applications. The announcement has raised widespread concern, particularly in India, which accounts for nearly 71 percent of all H-1B visa recipients.

Reacting swiftly, the Indian Embassy in Washington released an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals in need of immediate support.
“Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number 1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries,” the Embassy clarified in a post on X.

The unprecedented fee has triggered debate over its potential impact on Indian tech professionals, many of whom form the backbone of the U.S. technology sector. Analysts fear that the measure could disrupt the flow of remittances to India and create hurdles for skilled workers hoping to build careers in the U.S.

Seeking to clarify the scope of the decision, a senior U.S. administration official said that the fee would apply only to new H-1B petitions, not to renewals or current visa holders.
“This is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. It only applies to new visas, not renewals or current visa holders. It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle,” a White House official mentioned.

Meanwhile, the Government of India has instructed all its Missions and Posts to extend maximum assistance to Indian nationals scheduled to travel back to the U.S. in the coming 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi also took note of the development, stating that it is closely examining the far-reaching implications of the revised H-1B visa framework. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the impact of the fee could extend beyond financial burdens.
“The Government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the U.S. H-1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B program,” Jaiswal said.

He further cautioned that the decision could have humanitarian consequences.
“The measure is likely to resonate beyond business circles and may cause disruptions for families,” he added.

As the U.S. gears up to implement the new policy in the upcoming visa lottery cycle, uncertainty looms large for thousands of Indian professionals and their families, who now face a steep financial and emotional challenge.

Team Maverick.