‘H-1B clarification eases immediate worry, Indian industry to spruce up local US hiring’

Further, Indian & India-centric companies operating in the US have significantly reduced their dependencies on H-1B visas & are increasing local hiring’

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Nasscom on Monday said the US clarification that the H-1B visa fee hike will not affect current visa holders and will apply asa onetime fee only to fresh petitions has helped address the immediate ambiguity surrounding eligibility and timelines.

It alleviates concerns about business continuity and uncertainty for H-1B holders who were outside the US.

Further, Indian and India-centric companies operating in the US have significantly reduced their dependencies on H-1B visas and are increasing local hiring, it said, adding that given this, “we anticipate only a marginal impact for the sector’.

“Moreover, with the fee being applicable from 2026 onward, it gives companies time to further step up skilling programs in the US and enhance local hiring” the apex industry body said.

‘The industry is spending over $1 billion on local upskilling and hiring in the US, and the number of local hires has increased tremendously.