Netizens react to $100000 H-1B visa hike; India set to gain, says Amitabh Kant

The US has dealt a significant blow to global talent. H-1B visa fees have risen by up to $100,000. On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that companies will now have to pay this substantial sum on top of existing, modest fees to hire a foreign employee. This move could have a significant impact on the global flow of skilled workers.

Indian IT trends are dominating Twitter as uncertainty surrounds the H-1B visa system, following the U.S. President’s latest executive order and a potential crackdown that could affect visa holders and disrupt the broader Indian IT sector.

Netizens on X are flooded with reactions. According to a User on X, "The US raises H1B visa fee to $100,000 per year. Except for tech giants like Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix & Google, most companies cannot afford this burden. Direct hit on Indian IT workers, as H1B has been a lifeline for lakhs of skilled professionals."

Donald Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee will hurt U.S. innovation and help India’s. What America loses, India gains. India’s G20 Sherpa and Former CEO of NITIAayog, Amitabh Kant, on Friday on X, said, "Donald Trump’s 100,000 H-1B fee will choke U.S. innovation, and turbocharge India’s. By slamming the door on global talent, America pushes the next wave of labs, patents, innovation, and startups to Bangalore and Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurgaon. India’s finest Doctors, engineers, scientists, and innovators have an opportunity to contribute to India’s growth & progress towards #ViksitBharat. America’s loss will be India’s gain."

People are even speculating that Indian IT stocks could tumble on Monday as H-1B uncertainty adds to AI-driven disruption. Companies may accelerate their offshore service models, but the market reaction will be sharp, according to the user.

Additionally, a netizen also posted on X, "The H-1B program is the backbone of Indian IT exports. Nearly 70% of H-1B visas go to Indians. Now, the cost per petition has skyrocketed from a few thousand dollars to $100000. The US has slapped a $100,000 fee (₹90 lakh+) on new H-1B visa petitions. For India the largest user of H-1Bs this is a game changer.

What it means for Indian IT, students & tech talent. The ₹90 lakh H-1B fee hike is a shock to Indian IT & students. But it could accelerate India’s pivot to local innovation, global remote work & high-skill talent. Every disruption = hidden opportunity."