US Plans Major H-1B Visa Overhaul, Sparking Concerns for Indian Professionals and Students

The United States is preparing to introduce major changes to its H-1B visa programme, a move that could significantly impact Indian IT professionals and international students hoping to build careers in the country. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a draft proposal titled “Reforming the H-1B Non-Immigrant Visa Programme,” aiming to tighten eligibility, increase oversight, and revise fee structures.

One of the most controversial proposals is the introduction of a $100,000 (approx ₹88 lakh) application fee, which marks a dramatic increase from current costs. Additionally, the traditional lottery-based selection system would be replaced with a wage-based model, giving priority to applicants offered higher salaries. According to DHS, these changes are intended to protect American workers and improve transparency, but experts caution that the reforms may disadvantage students and early-career professionals who typically earn lower wages and have limited experience.

The proposal also seeks stricter monitoring of third-party staffing firms and employers previously found violating visa rules, signalling stronger enforcement. The draft has been published in the Federal Register for public comments, and if approved, implementation could begin by December 2025.

Introduced in 1990, the H-1B visa enables US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in fields where domestic talent is scarce. Each year, 65,000 visas are issued, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants holding a US master’s degree or higher.

Indians have been the largest beneficiaries, securing nearly 75% of all H-1B visas in 2023, with many employed by tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. However, with the proposed reforms, experts warn that access to US job opportunities could become significantly more difficult, especially for fresh graduates and young professionals hoping to begin their careers in America.