Was Trump’s H-1B fee a hoax? Understanding the reason behind turnaround

For thousands of H-1B visa holders and aspirants, the past few months have been a rollercoaster. In September 2025, the Trump administration stunned the tech and immigrant community by imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.

Given that around 72% of H-1B holders are Indians, followed by Chinese professionals, the decision created widespread concerns in the global tech talent pool.