Proposed Six-Figure H-1B Visa Fee Could Cost US Treasury $38 Billion, Study Warns

A recent study has raised concerns about the fiscal implications of introducing a substantial fee increase for H-1B visa applications. According to the research, implementing a six-figure fee structure could potentially cost the US Treasury approximately $38 billion over a ten-year period, primarily due to anticipated declines in application volumes.

The analysis suggests that while higher visa fees might generate revenue in the short term, the deterrent effect on applicants could ultimately result in significant revenue losses for the government. The study indicates that the relationship between fee increases and application rates is not linear—substantial fee hikes could trigger a proportionally larger reduction in visa petitions than policymakers might anticipate.

This finding comes amid ongoing debates about H-1B visa policy reform. The visa program, which allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has been a subject of considerable political discussion, with various stakeholders advocating for different approaches to reform.

The projected revenue loss reflects concerns that higher fees could make the visa program less attractive to employers, particularly smaller companies that might be more price-sensitive. This could potentially reduce the overall competitiveness of the US labor market in attracting specialized talent from abroad.

The study's findings suggest that policymakers should carefully consider the trade-offs between generating additional revenue through fee increases and maintaining adequate application volumes. Any policy changes would need to balance fiscal objectives with the practical impacts on employers and the broader immigration system.

These projections add an important economic dimension to the ongoing policy debate surrounding H-1B visa reforms, highlighting the potential unintended consequences of fee-based approaches to visa program management.

Source: Hindustan Times — Published: 2026-09-25T01:51:21.000Z

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Editorial note: This content was researched and generated on 2026-09-25. Facts and pricing are verified at time of writing and subject to change.