Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Impact on Infosys ADR and the ‘Gold Card’ Alternative

The US administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas has sent shockwaves across India’s technology sector. With 71% of H-1B visa holders being Indian, this change could significantly alter the landscape for companies and professionals alike.

H-1B Visa Fee 

In a sweeping move that could reshape the US immigration landscape, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. The administration argues the measure will ensure only “extraordinarily skilled” individuals enter the country, while discouraging companies from using foreign professionals to replace American workers.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described the step as a correction to past policies, noting that many visa holders had been employed at below-average salaries and sometimes relied on government support. According to him, the new policy will filter out the “bottom quartile” while raising over $100 billion for the US Treasury.

Why It Matters for Indians and the IT Sector 

For India, this decision carries significant weight. Nearly three-quarters of H-1B visas are held by Indians, primarily employed in the technology sector.

Firms such as Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant and Tata Consultancy Services have long depended on this visa route to send engineers and developers to the US. With each visa valid for 3 years and renewable up to 6, the cost of $100,000 annually per employee could become unsustainable.

India’s $250 billion IT services industry has thrived by placing skilled talent overseas, especially in the US market. A sharp increase in visa costs could reduce opportunities for Indian professionals, challenge India’s competitive position in the global technology space, and push firms to rethink business models. Infosys ADR fell more than 3%, and IT stocks are expected to be in focus when Indian markets open on Monday.

Tech Industry Reactions

The US technology sector, heavily dependent on H-1B visas, has also been unsettled. While Trump insisted that “big tech loves the idea,” markets showed a nervous response.

Reuters reported that shares of IT services companies, including US-listed Indian firms, slipped between 2% and 5% following the announcement and argued that the policy could hinder talent mobility and innovation. Supporters, however, saw it as a safeguard against wage suppression and a push for companies to invest in American graduates.

"Information technology (IT) firms in particular have prominently manipulated the H-1B system, significantly harming American workers in computer-related fields," a White House memo stated.

The ‘Gold Card’ Alternative

Alongside the overhaul of H-1B visas, a new pathway was introduced. The “Gold Card” offers expedited Green Card access for individuals of “extraordinary ability.”

Applicants may pay $1 million personally, or $2 million if sponsored by a corporation, directly to the US Treasury. President Trump positioned this scheme as a magnet for top talent while simultaneously boosting government revenues.

Immigration Crackdown in Context

The imposition of the $100,000 fee is part of a broader pattern. From travel bans to bond requirements for tourist visas, the administration has continually emphasised restricting immigration.

Read More: Have US Tariffs Revived the Old Spirit of Swadeshi Among Indian Buyers and Businesses?

Conclusion 

This latest decision marks the boldest step yet, with wide ranging implications not only for US businesses but also for India’s technology sector that has long been intertwined with American projects and clients.

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