Impact of H-1B Visa Fee Increase on Indian Professionals

H-1B Visa Fee Surge

H-1B Visa Fees Surge: Many professionals in India's IT and management sectors aspire to relocate to the United States. The allure lies in the chance to work with major tech firms, gain international experience, and earn lucrative salaries. Each year, a significant number of Indians travel to the US on H-1B visas, with earnings potentially reaching crores of rupees.

However, recent developments indicate a shift. The US administration has mandated a $100,000 increase in H-1B visa fees (around ₹88 lakh), which will have a direct effect on both American employers and international professionals. This hike will make it costlier for companies to recruit new H-1B employees.

Essential Qualifications and Skills for US Employment

Typically, H-1B positions necessitate a bachelor's degree in fields such as computer science, data science, engineering, or other STEM disciplines. Experience through projects, internships, and contributions to open-source initiatives can enhance your profile.

Holding a master's degree or certifications in areas like data science, AI, or machine learning (e.g., Deep Learning, AI specialization) is advantageous. Additionally, skills in leadership, team management, and effective communication are vital for roles in management.

Impact on Indian Professionals

The recent fee increase will predominantly affect Indians residing in the US, posing a risk to the employment of Indian IT professionals. In the fiscal year 2023-24, over 200,000 Indians secured H-1B visas, making India the top recipient of these visas last year. A Bloomberg report indicates that from 2020 to 2023, Indians accounted for 73.7% of the approved visas, with China following at 16%. Other countries like Canada, Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, Nepal, Brazil, Pakistan, and the Philippines received significantly fewer visas.

Top 5 H-1B Visa Roles for Indians in the US