US President Donald Trump has increased the fee for new H-1B visa applications to $100,000 (approximately ₹8.8 million). This decision is expected to impact India's skilled workforce, as a significant number of Indians migrate to the US for employment. However, Indian companies are also planning to avoid the impact of Trump's visa fee hike. Indian companies are adjusting their US staffing strategies. Companies are considering L1 intra-company transfers, B1 business visas, offshoring work to Europe or India, and other options to manage costs.

According to an ET report, Indian companies are developing new strategies to avoid the hefty H-1B visa fees. After the Trump administration imposed a one-time fee of $100,000 (approximately ₹8.8 million) on H-1B visas, Indian companies are developing alternative strategies to avoid this expense. Experts say companies are now considering options like L-1 visas (intra-company transfers), B-1 visas (meetings and conferences), and offshoring work to Europe or India.

H-1B Visa Fees Increased
On September 19, the Trump administration announced that US companies would have to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which came into effect on September 21. However, the next day, US Citizenship and Immigration Services clarified that this fee would only apply to new visa petitions; the new rules would not apply to existing visas.

Hiring Process to Change
Immigration experts believe that the sudden increase in H-1B petitions could significantly impact companies' talent and outsourcing plans in the next fiscal year. Sukanya Raman, country head at Davis & Associates, said that companies are now considering options like L-1 and business visas, especially for short-term trips. Additionally, they are planning to relocate their employees facing visa uncertainty in the US to countries like Europe, where visa rules are more favorable.

These workers are in demand.

According to experts, offshore companies are now identifying talent who may be eligible for L-1 visas by October next year. An L-1 visa requires an employee to have at least one year of experience in a foreign entity, whether it's an L-1A or L-1B. Rajneesh Pathak, Founder and CEO of Global North, explained in an ET report that companies have been using the L-1 visa, along with the H-1B, for work permits for years. Now, this new fee has further increased their focus on L-1 and other options.

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