US Proposes Massive $103,265 H-1B Visa Fee Hike, Threatening Indian Tech Talent
Public Lokpal
August 25, 2026
US Proposes Massive $103,265 H-1B Visa Fee Hike, Threatening Indian Tech Talent
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a permanent regulatory fee of $103,265 for cap-subject H-1B visa petitions.
Aimed at replacing a previous temporary $100,000 executive measure blocked by federal courts, the new fee would be charged at the time of filing on top of existing costs.
While the rule is country-agnostic, it heavily impacts Indian professionals, who comprise roughly 71% of all approved H-1B beneficiaries and rely heavily on the program for tech and engineering roles.
The proposal applies to fresh applicants and international students transitioning from F-1 visas, though cap-exempt entities like universities and research institutions are excluded.
DHS estimates the policy will generate $8.8 billion annually to cover federal immigration adjudication costs.
The measure has entered a 30-day public comment period before officials decide whether to issue a final rule.