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

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

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

**Declining Visa Dependency**

NASSCOM highlighted a significant reduction in the reliance of Indian IT companies on H-1B visas over the years. Data shows that the number of H-1B visas issued to top Indian and India-centric firms dropped from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024. Moreover, H-1B workers now make up less than 1% of the total employee base in the top 10 Indian IT companies, signaling a decreasing dependency on these work permits among major industry players.

**Ample Time to Adapt**

The new fee will take effect in 2026, giving companies sufficient time to strengthen their skilling initiatives within the US and boost local hiring efforts. NASSCOM appreciated the recent clarification that the higher fee applies only to new H-1B visa applications, which alleviates concerns about current visa holders being affected. This measure provides reassurance regarding business continuity for Indian firms operating in the US.

**H-1B Visas Continue to Fill Skill Gaps**

Despite representing a small fraction of the US workforce, H-1B visas remain critical for addressing skill shortages in the technology sector. NASSCOM also noted that salaries for H-1B workers are competitive and on par with those of local employees, underscoring the importance of these visas in sustaining a balanced and skilled workforce within the American tech industry.

In summary, while the new H-1B visa fee represents a change in policy, its impact on Indian IT firms is expected to be minimal, thanks to their reduced visa dependency and strategic focus on enhancing local talent acquisition.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/100-000-h-1b-fee-won-t-hit-indian-it-firms-nasscom/story