US H-1B visa fee hike: Andhra CM says it's just a 'temporary setback'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called the new US H-1B visa fee hike a "temporary setback" for Indian techies.
He reassured, "Cost is very, very important... you (Indian techies) are providing cost-effective services. They are bound to depend on us. That is going to happen. I am very clear," reminding everyone that Indian talent still matters.
What's changed with the H-1B visa?
Starting September 21, 2025, the US now charges a $100,000 supplemental fee for new H-1B applications—a huge jump from under $10,000 before.
The goal is to stop companies from replacing American workers with cheaper foreign hires.
How are Indian IT firms and workers reacting?
Mid-sized IT companies say they'll manage by hiring more locally and expanding in North America.
Big firms have already started relying less on H-1Bs by focusing on domestic recruitment.
Meanwhile, the US Chamber of Commerce is suing to block the fee hike, and some Indian tech workers are worried about job security.
Naidu remains optimistic and promises more opportunities at home in fields like AI and quantum computing for those affected.