**‘Marginal Impact on Indian IT Firms’: NASSCOM on New H-1B Visa Fee**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 02:20 PM*

The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has responded to the US government’s recent decision to impose a one-time $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, stating that the move will have a marginal impact on Indian IT firms.

### Declining Dependency on H-1B Visas

NASSCOM highlighted that Indian companies operating in the US have gradually reduced their reliance on H-1B visas over the years. Data shows that the number of H-1B visas issued to top Indian and India-centric companies dropped significantly, from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024.

Furthermore, H-1B employees for the top 10 Indian IT companies now constitute less than 1% of their total workforce. This clearly indicates a decreasing dependence on these visas among major industry players.

### Adaptation Period and Fee Clarifications

The new $100,000 fee will come into effect starting 2026, giving companies ample time to scale up their local skilling initiatives and increase hiring within the US. NASSCOM also welcomed the clarification that the higher fee applies only to new H-1B visa applications, ensuring that current visa holders will not be affected. This reduces uncertainty and eases concerns over business continuity.

### H-1B Visas Still Crucial for Skill Bridging

Despite representing a small fraction of the US tech workforce, NASSCOM emphasized that H-1B visas continue to play a vital role in bridging critical skill gaps. The association also pointed out that salaries for H-1B visa holders are comparable to those of local hires, underscoring the importance of these visas in maintaining a balanced and skilled talent pool in the American technology sector.

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NASSCOM’s assessment suggests that while the new fees may introduce some challenges, the Indian IT industry is well-positioned to adapt and sustain its global operations with minimal disruption.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/100-000-h-1b-fee-won-t-hit-indian-it-firms-nasscom/story