H1-B Visa Selection Reform: The latest visa move by the Donald Trump administration has raised concerns among Indian professionals working in the United States, and the Foreign Ministry has stated that the government is aware of the one-month public comment period before the final rules are drafted for overhauling the H1-B visa lottery system. The ministry stated that both India and the US have benefited from skilled talent mobility in terms of innovation and growth, and it hoped the US would take these elements into account while drafting final regulations.

President Trump’s decree last Friday raised the H1-B visa application fee to $100,000 for new applicants, greatly impacting millions of foreign workers. After visas surpass the 85,000 cap, the Trump administration plans to implement a “weighted selection process” to restructure the lottery system. The proposal allows stakeholders to provide their opinions during a 30-day public comment period.

MEA Confirms Receiving Notice on Proposed H1-B Rule:

The US Department of Homeland Security sent India a notice about the proposed rulemaking. The MEA stated this evening, “The industry and other stakeholders have one month to offer their feedback.” The ministry added, “Skilled talent mobility and exchanges contribute significantly to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in the United States and India.”

Also Read: How Trump’s 100% Pharma Tariff May Affect India

The government confirmed it would keep engaging with all stakeholders, including the industry, and urged them to give these factors the weight they deserve. Indian professionals in the US expressed alarm over the increased visa fee, and the Indian embassy in Washington launched an emergency assistance helpline for those needing immediate aid.

The administration warned that the fee increase could hurt families and create humanitarian issues. It said it is studying the effects of the hike and expressed hope that the US government will act. Big Tech and outsourcing companies frequently use the H1-B visa program to hire highly skilled foreign workers. Data shows that Indians account for 71% of all approved H-1B petitions, putting them most at risk under the new visa rules. Indian IT giants like TCS and Infosys rely heavily on H-1B visas, and the latest changes could cause staffing and financial challenges.

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