NASSCOM strongly responds to DHS’ proposal to fix H-1B visa fee at $103,265
NASSCOM has formally opposed a U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposal to increase H-1B visa fees to $103,265. The industry body argues that the fee hike ignores the program's role in filling skill gaps and highlights the industry's significant investments in U.S. STEM education.
Why it matters
This proposal could significantly impact the operational costs and talent acquisition strategies of Indian technology firms operating in the United States.
Strongly responding to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s proposal to fix the H-1B visa fee at $103,265 for new applicants , the technology industry body NASSCOM on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) emphasised that the H-1B visa programme has long served an important purpose in addressing short-term skill gaps in the U.S.
The new $103,265 H-1B executive rule was a proposed U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulation in which the public has 30 days to comment, and according to the U.S administration, the fee would recover immigration-system costs and encourage employers to hire and train American workers instead of relying on foreign labour, NASSCOM stated.
However, the apex body also said, “It is also important to recognise that, over the past 5 years, the number of H-1B employees of Indian technology companies operating has reduced significantly, as companies have steadily expanded local hiring.’’
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