$103,265 H-1B Visa Fee Sparks Fears of US Job Exodus

An Indian-American advocacy group has expressed concern over proposed H1-B visa fee increases. The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) argues that an additional $103,265 fee could make hiring jobs overseas economically impractical for companies.

The group claims that the move would negatively impact cash-strapped startups and large corporations significantly. According to FIIDS, combined with a potential OPT fee of $100,000, the total cost would be $203,265, making the student-to-work pathway effectively unaffordable.

Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy at FIIDS, stated that the proposal comes as international student enrollment in the United States is already showing signs of weakness. Data from the Institute of International Education shows a 17% decline in new international student enrollment in autumn 2025.