‘Marginal impact on Indian IT firms’: NASSCOM on H-1B fee

**‘Marginal Impact on Indian IT Firms’: NASSCOM on H-1B Fee**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 02:20 pm*

The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has responded to the recent US government decision to impose a one-time fee of $100,000 on H-1B visas, stating that the move will have a marginal impact on Indian IT firms.

### Reduced Dependence on H-1B Visas

NASSCOM highlighted that Indian companies operating in the US have progressively reduced their dependence on H-1B visas over the years. Data shows a decline in the number of H-1B visas issued to top Indian and India-centric companies—from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024.

Furthermore, H-1B workers for the top 10 Indian IT firms constitute less than 1% of their total employee base. This trend underscores the sector’s decreasing reliance on these work permits among major players.

### Adequate Time to Adapt

The industry body also pointed out that since the new fee will take effect in 2026, companies have sufficient time to expand their skilling programs in the US and boost local hiring efforts.

In addition, clarification that the higher fees apply only to new H-1B visa applications—and not to current visa holders—has alleviated concerns about business continuity.

### H-1B Visas: Bridging Skill Gaps

Despite representing a small fraction of the US workforce, NASSCOM emphasized that H-1B visas continue to play an important role in bridging skill gaps in the tech industry.

The association also noted that salaries for H-1B workers are comparable to those of local hires, highlighting the significance of these visas in maintaining a balanced and skilled workforce within the American technology sector.

Overall, NASSCOM’s insights reflect cautious optimism, suggesting that while the new fee poses a challenge, its impact on Indian IT firms will likely be limited due to ongoing strategic adjustments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/100-000-h-1b-fee-won-t-hit-indian-it-firms-nasscom/story

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