Overview

• U.S. authorities clarified the charge is a one‑time fee on future H‑1B petitions only, excluding current visa holders and renewals, with application timing tied to the next filing cycle.
• Confusion over the announcement triggered travel chaos for some H‑1B workers and urgent advisories from major employers to avoid international trips until guidance was issued.
• Nasscom said the clarification reduced uncertainty and projected limited short‑term impact as firms have cut reliance on H‑1Bs and expanded U.S. hiring and upskilling.
• Several Indian mid‑ to smaller‑cap IT companies reported low exposure, citing few recent filings or zero dependency, while larger outsourcers flagged greater potential cost sensitivity.
• Analysts warned the fee could lift employer costs—one estimate pegs potential annual outlays at around $14 billion—and accelerate offshoring, nearshoring, or automation; India’s government cautioned about humanitarian strain on families.