A sharp increase in fees for U.S. skilled-worker visas has prompted concern among immigration experts and technology professionals, who warn the move could redirect global talent to other countries.

Get today's headlines by email

In September 2025, the administration of Donald Trump announced a policy requiring a $100,000 fee for new applications for the H-1B visa programme, which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers. Officials said the measure was intended to protect American jobs.

Previously, the cost of applying for an H-1B visa typically ranged between $1,700 and $4,500.

The policy change has triggered debate among technology workers abroad, particularly in India, which supplies the majority of H-1B visa holders.

Hyderabad’s tech workforce reassesses U.S. ambitions

In the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, a major hub for global technology firms, many workers have long viewed employment with multinational companies as a potential pathway to a job in the United States.

The city hosts offices of companies including Google and Facebook, contributing to its reputation as India’s “Silicon Valley”. The technology district known as “High Tech City” has even earned the nickname “Cyberabad”.

Rajesh Jaknalli, who has worked for a U.S. technology firm in Hyderabad for roughly a decade, said many professionals had hoped strong performance would eventually lead to relocation opportunities.

For years, he said, the expectation among workers was that dedication and experience could open the door to a U.S. transfer.

That outlook, however, has shifted since the visa fee increase.

Workers and employers weigh alternatives

Hameed Abdul, who works for Amazon in Hyderabad, said the new requirement has changed his plans.

He had previously expected that his position might eventually lead to a role in the United States. But the higher cost, he said, makes such moves unlikely because employers may be unwilling to pay the new fee.

Instead, Abdul now plans to seek opportunities elsewhere and is considering relocating to Canada.

Immigration consultant Xavier Fernandes, founder of the agency Y-Axis Overseas Careers, said the H-1B visa system historically created a steady flow of skilled technology workers into the United States.

According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa recipients in 2024 were from India.

Fernandes argues that the programme has helped supply talent to the American technology sector and contributed to its growth over several decades.

Global competition for skilled workers

Other countries are moving to attract the same pool of workers, often by simplifying immigration procedures.

Fernandes said nations including Canada, China and Australia are actively seeking skilled foreign professionals.

Jaknalli said he is now applying for visas in Australia, describing the process there as relatively straightforward.

The debate over foreign talent has also surfaced within U.S. political discussions. In a television interview in November, Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that while the country had many capable workers, it still needed to recruit certain specialised skills from abroad.

Fernandes believes the higher visa fee could shift innovation elsewhere if skilled professionals choose to remain in India or move to competing destinations.

He said many Indian engineers may now decide to build companies and careers at home rather than seek opportunities in the United States.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 April 2026

View full article

The new US$100,000 H‑1B visa fee feels like the U.S. shooting itself in the foot. At a time when every major economy is competing for high‑skill talent, the U.S. is effectively telling global experts to look elsewhere.

Companies now face a ridiculous choice: pay a premium for the best people or settle for a less‑qualified local simply because they’re cheaper.

Surely, this can’t be how you stay competitive in AI, biotech, engineering, or anything that drives a modern economy.

While other countries are rolling out red carpets for skilled migrants, the U.S. seems intent on pricing itself out of the global talent market.

If the goal was to “protect American jobs”, the result may be the opposite as innovation moves offshore, and the world’s brightest minds find friendlier destinations.

15 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

The new US$100,000 H‑1B visa fee feels like the U.S. shooting itself in the foot. At a time when every major economy is competing for high‑skill talent, the U.S. is effectively telling global experts to look elsewhere.

Companies now face a ridiculous choice: pay a premium for the best people or settle for a less‑qualified local simply because they’re cheaper.

Surely, this can’t be how you stay competitive in AI, biotech, engineering, or anything that drives a modern economy.

While other countries are rolling out red carpets for skilled migrants, the U.S. seems intent on pricing itself out of the global talent market.

If the goal was to “protect American jobs”, the result may be the opposite as innovation moves offshore, and the world’s brightest minds find friendlier destinations.

There are many unemployed talented people in the USA.

i remember the company asked me to relocated to america. I refuse to go to that <deleted> hole. I would hate to live amongst those eggnog drinking low lifes. China is where the finest are heading.

No problem. Nobody wants to go to the US these days anyway.

M y team are out in Hyderabad, I visit quite a lot. A lot of big names there, with massive offices. World's largest IKEA. Strangely, Hyderabad doesn't have great colleges, so the talent comes from all over India. But they aren't residents of the city, so the city doesn't receive enough local taxes to support the working population. So flash buildings, but the roads in between, not so great.

I've been going there since 2015. Back then, my driver has a Tata Indica; actually a great little, indestructible car. Over the years, he's upgrades to a Toyota MPV, and now he has a swish Toyota EV. The place is awash with EVs now, mostly MGs made in India. A lot more Jaguars, BMWs, Mercs threading their way through the crazy traffic.

High H1b fees will just mean more offshoring of US companies. As a company, for western employees we switched away from the US to Canada; we can pay less wages, better quality graduates. London is a tough place for recruitment, as my field is competing with other industries after the same people.