Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee sparks panic among Indian students and tech workers in US

Core Points - The Trump administration's plan to raise the H-1B application fee to $100,000 has created significant concern among international graduate students and companies reliant on skilled immigrant labor [1][2][4] - The sudden implementation of this policy has led to confusion and anxiety among current visa holders and potential applicants, impacting recruitment strategies for many large companies [4][6] - The new fee structure is expected to disproportionately affect entry-level professionals and smaller organizations, potentially leading to a talent drain in critical sectors such as healthcare and technology [11][13] Company Impact - Major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta, along with universities and hospitals, depend heavily on H-1B visa holders for their workforce [7] - The announcement has prompted these organizations to reassess their recruitment plans and strategies in light of the increased costs associated with hiring international talent [6][10] - The changes may lead to a significant reduction in the number of qualified candidates available for positions, particularly in tech and healthcare, where demand for skilled workers is already high [13][20] Industry Implications - The H-1B visa program is critical for filling labor shortages in various industries, with 85,000 visas issued annually, of which 20,000 are reserved for advanced degree holders [8] - The proposed fee increase could deter many potential applicants, as evidenced by the overwhelming demand in the previous lottery cycle where over 470,000 individuals applied for the limited visas [8] - The uncertainty surrounding the visa process and the new fee structure may lead to a decline in international talent seeking opportunities in the U.S., affecting innovation and competitiveness in key sectors [20]