H-1B Visa Fee Hike To Disrupt Global IT Majors, Impact Indian Nationals In US: Nasscom

US President Donald Trump's latest annual fee hike on H-1B visas will potentially have ''ripple effects'' on America's broader job economy and impact Indian nationals, according to the advocacy group Nasscom.

"While we are reviewing the finer details of the order, adjustments of this nature can potentially have ripple effects on America’s innovation ecosystem and the wider job economy. It will also impact those Indian nationals that are on H-1B visas working for global and Indian companies," said Nasscom in an official statement on Saturday, Sept. 20.

This comes after the White House announced a new proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications on Sept. 19, positioned as part of a broader reform of the skilled worker program.

India’s technology services companies will also be impacted as business continuity will be disrupted for onshore projects which may require adjustments. According to Nasscom, companies will work closely with clients to adapt and manage transitions. However, Nasscom highlighted that India and India centric companies have been steadily reducing their reliance on these visas through increased local hiring in recent years.

It said these companies also follow all necessary governance and compliance in the US for H-1B processes, pay the prevailing wages and contribute to the local economy and innovation partnerships with academia and startups. The H-1B workers for these companies by no means are a threat to national security in the US, it asserted.

''The timeline for implementation (anyone entering the US after 12:01 a.m., Sept. 21) is also a concern. A one-day deadline creates considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world,'' said Nasscom.

Policy changes of this scale are best introduced with adequate transition periods, allowing organisations and individuals to plan effectively and minimise disruption. Nasscom said it has emphasised that high-skill talent is vital to driving innovation, competitiveness, and growth for America's economy.

This, it said, is especially critical at a time when advances in AI, and other frontier technologies are set to define global competitiveness. High-skill talent will remain central to sustaining America's innovation leadership and long-term economic strength.

"While developments are underway, we will continue to monitor developments closely, engage with industry stakeholders on the potential implications, and seek further clarity on the discretionary waiver process, to be granted by the Secretary of DHS," said Nasscom.