H-1B Visa Fee Increase Prompts US Firms to Explore Outsourcing Options

The rise in H-1B visa fees is causing U.S. companies to evaluate moving operations offshore, with India emerging as a viable option through Global Capability Centres (GCCs). India is utilizing GCCs to provide services to multiple countries, and it has evolved into a key location for expertise in artificial intelligence and drug discovery. The presidential directive mandates a $100,000 payment for each new H-1B visa petition submitted after the specified date, inclusive of the 2026 lottery. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department were given the responsibility of coordinating the necessary steps for implementation. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services, US Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of State have already distributed guidance to ensure a uniform enforcement approach across all involved agencies. India’s 1,700 GCCs, built on a foundation of extensive technological support, provide support across varied sectors from automotive manufacturing to pharmaceutical research.