H-1B Visa Fee Increase Spurs US Companies to Explore Offshore Operations

Industry analysts and economists suggest that U.S. companies are now looking at India for offshore operations through Global Capability Centres (GCCs) following the U.S. President’s increase of H-1B visa fees to $100,000. India is providing its services to many countries via GCCs and has become a hub for skill-based tasks, including artificial intelligence and drug discovery. The presidential directive mandated a $100,000 payment with every new H-1B visa petition filed after the deadline, encompassing entries in the 2026 lottery. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department were authorized to coordinate implementation. Guidance has been issued by relevant U.S. agencies to ensure consistent enforcement. With approximately 1,700 GCCs, India has developed high-value innovation centers spanning various sectors, from automotive manufacturing to pharmaceutical research, providing expertise to support crucial business functions.