- Nasscom issued a statement regarding the proposed USD 103,265 increase in H-1B visa fees, highlighting that Indian technology firms have significantly reduced their reliance on such visas.
- Nasscom noted that Indian companies have steadily expanded local hiring in the US over the past five years, with a significant reduction in the number of H-1B employees.
- The Department of Homeland Security has invited public comments on the proposed fee increase within the next 30 days.
- The new proposal from the Department of Homeland Security follows a recent federal appeals court decision that rejected a plea to stay a district judge's order overturning the Trump administration's plan to charge a USD 1,00,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.
- A proposed increase in visa fees must be viewed in the context of the programme's original purpose of enabling access to temporary skills where there is a shortage in the US.
- The Indian technology sector has invested more than USD 1.1 billion to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) pipeline in the US, involving partnerships with over 130 universities and impacting 2.9 million students and upskilling more than 255,000 employees.
Nasscom highlighted a significant shift in the Indian tech sector's approach to the H-1B visa program, noting a reduction in reliance on these visas as local hiring in the U.S. has expanded over the past five years.123
The proposed $103,265 fee hike by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seen as a critical factor in this transition.45
"The H-1B visa programme has long served an important purpose in addressing short-term skill gaps in the US," Nasscom stated, emphasizing the need to view the fee increase in the context of the program's original intent.
The Indian technology sector has invested over USD 1.1 billion to enhance the STEM pipeline in the U.S., partnering with more than 130 universities and colleges, impacting 2.9 million students and upskilling over 255,000 employees.78
Currently, the U.S. limits the H-1B visa program to 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 visas available for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
The DHS's proposal follows a recent federal appeals court decision that rejected a plea to halt a previous fee increase plan. Public comments on the proposal are invited within the next 30 days.
“The proposed increase follows a federal appeals court rejection of an earlier $100,000 fee plan. Nasscom highlights that Indian firms have invested over $1.1 billion in US STEM education, partnering with 130 universities, and invites public comments within 30 days.”
