On September 19, 2025, an executive order was
signed, imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa
applications and limiting entry for specific non-immigrant
workers1. Effective as of September 21,
2025, and initially set for a one-year duration with the
option for renewal, this policy aims to address what is perceived
as overuse of the program, with a focus on prioritising the
domestic labour market. Clarifications from authoritative sources
confirm that the fee is a one-off charge applicable solely to new
applications, thereby exempting renewals and current holders, which
alleviates some immediate apprehensions. For India, a significant
participant in the H-1B program with recipients accounting for over
70% of recent approvals, this represents a pivotal moment. The
directive has ignited extensive discussions, including potential
short-term disruptions such as travel complications during holiday
seasons, while simultaneously creating opportunities for long-term
domestic
