H-1B Visa imposed from today: Trump’s new H-1B visa rules come into effect from today
H-1B Visa Restrictions Begin Today: Indian Tech Firms Brace for Impact: In a major policy shift amid the ongoing tariff and immigration tensions, US President Donald Trump has implemented a new H-1B visa rule starting today that could significantly impact Indian professionals and tech firms. The updated regulation mandates that certain H-1B visa holders must now pay an annual fee of $100,000 (approximately ₹8.8 lakh) to enter or continue working in the U.S. as non-immigrant workers, along with submitting a new application.
The move is expected to heavily burden smaller tech firms and startups, which may not have the financial flexibility to absorb such a sharp increase in employment costs. While large tech companies may continue hiring skilled foreign professionals despite the added cost, the rule could limit opportunities for mid-level engineers and international graduates hoping to work in the U.S.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the decision, stating, “The goal is to prioritize American graduates. Companies should invest in training U.S. citizens instead of importing talent.” He added that major corporations had already been consulted and expressed willingness to comply. The announcement has sparked concern across India’s IT sector, which sends tens of thousands of professionals to the U.S. each year under the H-1B program.
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