By Shashwat Bhandari

Copyright timesnownews

New Delhi: NASSCOM — National Association of Software and Services Companies — has said that Donald Trump’s H-1B visa annual fee being raised to USD 100,000 can have ripple effects on America’s innovation ecosystem and the wider job economy. In a statement, NASSCOM said that while they are reviewing the finer details of Trump’s order, adjustments of this nature can potentially have ripple effects on America’s innovation ecosystem and the wider job economy. It will also impact Indian nationals who are on H-1B visas working for global and Indian companies. “India’s technology services companies will also be impacted as business continuity will be disrupted for onshore projects, which may require adjustments. Companies will work closely with clients to adapt and manage transitions,” NASSCOM said. Continuing further, NASSCOM said, “However, it is also important to note that India and India-centric companies have been steadily reducing their reliance on these visas through increased local hiring in recent years. These companies also follow all necessary governance and compliance in the US for H-1B processes, pay the prevailing wages, and contribute to the local economy and innovation partnerships with academia and startups. The H-1B workers for these companies by no means are a threat to national security in the US.” H1B Visa Deadline Is A Concern, Says NASSCOM NASSCOM has said that the little-over-24-hours deadline before the new H-1B visa norms come into effect is a concern, as a one-day deadline creates considerable uncertainty. “Adding further into their initial review of Donald Trump’s H-1B visa shocker, NASSCOM said the timeline for implementation (anyone entering the US after 12:01 am, September 21) is also a concern. A one-day deadline creates considerable uncertainty for businesses, professionals, and students across the world.” Policy Changes of This Scale Introduced With Adequate Transition: NASSCOM Policy changes of this scale are best introduced with adequate transition periods, allowing organisations and individuals to plan effectively and minimise disruption, NASSCOM said. NASSCOM has consistently emphasised that high-skill talent is vital to driving innovation, competitiveness, and growth for America’s economy. “This is especially critical at a time when advances in AI and other frontier technologies are set to define global competitiveness,” the technology body said adding high-skill talent will remain central to sustaining America’s innovation leadership and long-term economic strength. While developments are underway, we will continue to monitor developments closely, engage with industry stakeholders on the potential implications, and seek further clarity on the discretionary waiver process to be granted by the Secretary of DHS, NASSCOM said. NASSCOM, National Association of Software and Services Companies, is the primary trade body and apex organisation for India’s technology and IT-Business Process Management (BPM) sectors. Donald Trump, on September 19, 2025, announced a new proclamation introducing a USD 100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, positioned as part of a broader reform of the skilled worker program.