Overview

• The White House press secretary said President Trump will add a $100,000 charge to H‑1B applications, a sharp jump from filing costs that typically start near $215.
• An official indicated the president may sign a proclamation to implement the change, with timing and administrative details still developing.
• Officials also plan to raise H‑1B prevailing‑wage levels, requiring employers to pay higher salaries to foreign professionals.
• The program issues up to 85,000 visas annually and about 71% of approved recipients are from India, pointing to outsized effects on Indian workers and firms.
• Reactions diverged in India, with former diplomat Anil Trigunayat warning of harm to startups and competitiveness, while Amitabh Kant suggested the shift could draw global talent toward Indian tech hubs.