The United States’ new visa policy has dealt a major blow to Indian citizens, who have been the largest beneficiaries of skilled worker visas.

With US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a hefty annual visa fee of $100,000, thousands of Indians could soon face serious challenges in pursuing work opportunities in the US.

Indians dominate H-1B visa allocations

According to official data from 2024, a total of 399,395 H-1B visas were issued by the US. Of these, a staggering 283,397 visas -- about 72% -- went to Indian citizens, cementing India’s position as the top recipient of skilled US visas.

China in second place

China was a distant second, receiving 46,680 H-1B visas during the same period. Meanwhile, all other countries combined, including Pakistan, accounted for less than 1% of the total visas issued, highlighting the overwhelming share held by Indian professionals in the American tech and corporate sectors.

Also Read: Trump proposes $100,000 annual fee for US H-1B visas

Impact of new visa fee

The new policy announced by President Trump includes a dramatic visa fee hike of $100,000 for H-1B applicants. Immigration experts warn that this steep increase could heavily impact thousands of Indian professionals, many of whom rely on the H-1B program for employment in the US.

Concerns for Indian workforce

The move is seen as particularly harsh for India, which contributes the largest pool of skilled technology and IT workers to American companies. With visa costs skyrocketing, many aspiring professionals may find themselves unable to afford the new fees, potentially shrinking India’s dominance in the program.