‘Our US Dream Now Looks Uncertain’: Indian Students React to $100,000 H-1B Fee

Strict visa rules are pushing students to explore alternative in Canada, UK, and Australia.

Indian students navigate the F-1 → OPT → H-1B pathway

U.S. government has imposed a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas, alarming Indian students planning to work in America after completing their studies. The executive order by Trump administration will take effect from September 21, 2025.

Students from India constitute more than 70% of H-1B visa holders, making them most affected with this change. While that for Indian students navigating pathway, journey to a U.S. career is now costlier and more uncertain.

Indian students have taken to forums and Reddit to express concern over the sudden fee hike. “I expect over the next 12 months, people will hear stories of Indians returning back to India due to the $100k fee… US companies will not pay that much per application,” wrote one user on r/AskIndia.

Another student commented, “Trump just made H-1B visas cost $100,000 a year, it used to be only $215 … most companies won’t pay that much for junior or mid level jobs.” These reactions highlight anxiety among fresh graduates who rely on employer sponsorship for their U.S. jobs.

Experts and industry voices react

Social media commentary and analysts note the disproportionate impact on Indian professionals. Economic advisor Amitabh Kant tweeted that U.S. risks “choking innovation” while India could gain from return of high skilled talent.

Industry leaders, policy experts are of the view that abrupt fee hike may leave Indian students and IT firms challenging to adjust recruitment and sponsorship plans.

 In past few months, education consultants have reported increased interest in destinations other than U.S.

Lets take a look at some these countries:

Canada: Offers Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and clear paths to permanent residency.

UK: Graduate Route allows two year of post study work (three for PhDs), this giving good time to students to secure jobs.

Australia : Extended post-study work visas for STEM courses.

“Students are now asking more questions about return on investment and whether U.S. education still guarantees a viable career path,” said a Delhi-based overseas education advisor. What this means for Indian students While fee is levied on employers, students are directly affected: fewer companies might sponsor visas, job offers will go down, and salaries might get adjusted. 

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$100,000 H-1B Fee and Stricter Rules Leave Indian Students Struggling to Plan Work Abroad

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