Last-minute bookings to the United States spiked on Sunday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, according to MakeMyTrip, reported by ET Now. The fee, effective from September 21, 2025, is aimed at allowing only “extraordinarily skilled” professionals to enter the US and curbing the replacement of American workers with lower-wage foreign talent.
A MakeMyTrip spokesperson noted, “There has been a notable increase in same-day and next-day bookings to the USA, which is atypical for long-haul travel.”
Key Details of the H-1B Visa Fee
- The $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B petitions filed after 12:01 AM ET, September 21, 2025.
- Existing H-1B visa holders, renewals, and petitions filed before the deadline are not affected.
- The policy aims to limit visa use by lower-salary workers while prioritizing highly skilled professionals.
Impact on India and IT Sector
India, which accounts for about 71% of H-1B visa holders, is expected to face the most immediate effects. Most affected are IT professionals in companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and Cognizant, which rely on H-1B visas to staff US projects.
Following the announcement, Indian IT stocks listed in the US dropped 2–5%, reflecting concerns over talent mobility and potential project delays. Supporters of the fee argue it could protect American workers, reduce wage suppression, and generate over $100 billion for the US Treasury to help lower national debt and taxes.
Clarifications from the White House
Within 24 hours, the US administration clarified that the $100,000 fee will not apply to current H-1B holders, renewals, or candidates selected in the latest lottery, effective October 1, 2025.
The announcement has triggered significant uncertainty among employers and Indian workers, with many booking last-minute travel to the US ahead of the fee’s implementation.
