Is it worth paying $100,000 to get H-1B visa for $65,000 Salary in the US?
Key Takeaways in Numbers
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New H-1B Visa Cost
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A one-time $100,000 fee is now mandatory for new H-1B visa petitions.
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Applies only to lottery applicants outside the US in the upcoming cycle.
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Not applicable to:
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Renewals
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Existing H-1B holders
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Re-entry of current visa holders
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Impact on Indian Tech Workforce
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72% of H-1B visas annually go to Indians.
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2024: 2.83 lakh Indians secured H-1B visas (out of 3.9 lakh total).
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2023: Similar figures, proving consistent dominance.
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Salary vs. Visa Cost
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Average Indian H-1B salary in the US: $65,000 per year.
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Employers must weigh $100,000 upfront fee vs. $65,000 annual salary.
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Raises a critical question: Will companies still hire Indian techies?
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Corporate Impact
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Giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple, JP Morgan, Deloitte, TCS, Cognizant, Walmart depend heavily on Indian talent.
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Restriction could lead to:
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Higher hiring costs in the US
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Talent shortages in critical IT sectors
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US Political & Economic Motives
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H-1B IT worker share:
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2003: 32%
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Past 5 years: 65%+
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Trump claims misuse has:
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Displaced American college graduates
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Allowed firms to hire at a “discount” wage level
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Political angle: Supports MAGA (Make America Great Again) narrative by protecting local jobs.
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India’s Strategic Angle
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Trump’s move seen as pressure tactic in India-US trade talks.
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Ongoing issues: 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Chabahar port sanctions waiver withdrawal.
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Indian delegation led by Piyush Goyal negotiating for a beneficial trade deal.
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Silver Lining for India
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Retaining top Indian talent could reduce brain drain.
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Supports PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) vision.
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Potential long-term gain: Building India’s own tech & innovation ecosystem.
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Disclaimer – The Profit India
This article is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available data and analysis. It does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice. The Profit India is not responsible for decisions taken based on this content. Readers are advised to consult official government sources or professional advisors before making immigration or financial decisions.
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