New Delhi: India has expressed concern after the United States announced a steep increase in the cost of H-1B visas, raising the annual application fee to USD 1 million (around Rs 88 lakh). The new rule, signed by President Donald Trump at the White House on Saturday, will come into effect from September 21.
Responding to the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the move will have a humanitarian impact as many families are likely to be affected.
He added that the Indian government hopes U.S. authorities will take into account these concerns and find workable solutions.
The H-1B visa, widely used by Indian professionals in the technology sector, previously cost about Rs 5 lakh and was valid for three years, with an option to renew for another three.
Under the revised structure, the six-year cost will rise to around Rs 5.28 crore, more than 50 times the current expense.
