Story perspectives

New Visa Fees Threaten U.S. Talent Access and Growth

10/14/2025

Summary

US Visa Fee Changes

The United States implemented visa fees, effective October 1, 2025, including a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visas.
A one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications began September 21, 2025.
The fee aims to curb H-1B abuse and could limit access to specialized talent for startups and mid-sized firms.
Forecasts predict slower legal immigration, with net migration around 400,000 annually, affecting labor force growth and economic performance.

Summary

TCS Shifts Hiring

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will shift U.S. hiring to local recruitment to reduce reliance on H-1B visas amid new visa-fee rules.
CEO K Krithivasan said TCS used about 500 H-1B visas last year, a significant decrease.
The company can thrive without H-1B visas.
The plan aligns with a $100,000 H-1B fee set for February 2026.
Krithivasan addressed layoffs, attributing them to skill mismatches and performance issues.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1990, signed by President George H. W. Bush on November 29, increased annual immigration limits to 700,000 and established the H-1B visa program for skilled workers. This act marked a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing employment-based immigration while also facing criticism for limiting family reunification and introducing new visa fees amid ongoing labor market concerns.

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US Visa Fee Changes

The United States implemented visa fees, effective October 1, 2025, including a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visas.
A one-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications began September 21, 2025.
The fee aims to curb H-1B abuse and could limit access to specialized talent for startups and mid-sized firms.
Forecasts predict slower legal immigration, with net migration around 400,000 annually, affecting labor force growth and economic performance.

1 / 3