Why a $100,000 H-1B fee may not stop Indian professionals from entering US workforce

Even amid perceived curbs on H-1B hirings in the US, a new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that it may not lead to a drastic drop in Indian professionals’ entry into the country.

The study by economist George J Borjas, which is titled ‘The H-1B Wage Gap, Visa Fees, and Employer Demand’ found that structural wage gaps and labour market dynamics embedded within the programme make H-1B hiring financially attractive.

The allure of employing H-1B workers remains high despite significantly higher visa costs, with the new $100,000 fee now into effect.