The recent Trump administration announcement to impose a $100,000 yearly fee on new H1B visa holders has sent shockwaves through the global IT industry, particularly hitting Indian talent and companies the hardest. But at Ortem Technologies, we see this not just as a disruption but an incredible springboard for the next phase of India’s IT growth.

What’s Changed

• $100,000/year fee: The US now requires this for every new H1B visa, up from a few thousand dollars previously.
• Indian talent affected: More than 70% of H1B visas go to Indian tech professionals, impacting both individuals and leading firms.
• Industry concern: Many fear loss of opportunity and rising costs for US-bound IT workers.

Why This Is Actually Good News for Indian IT

1. Reverse Brain Drain
   With the US route less attractive, thousands of top engineers and tech managers will now remain in India. These innovators can now build, launch, and lead transformative products and startups directly from home.
2. Global Clients Will Outsource More
   Skyrocketing US labor costs mean global firms will look to India for both quality and cost-effective solutions—making India the first choice, not just for routine projects, but for high-end digital work and innovation.
3. India Becomes a Talent Magnet
   Global companies seeking to grow tech teams will invest in India, setting up R&D hubs, accelerating “India-first” product development, and bringing more job opportunities home.
4. Boom for Startups and Next-Gen Services
   Talented professionals who previously sought H1B jobs in the US can now become founders, launch SaaS, AI, fintech and engineering ventures, and help accelerate the Indian product ecosystem.
5. Rise of Higher-Margin Digital Services
   This shift will allow Indian IT to move beyond staff augmentation, leading in areas like cloud transformation, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, and product co-creation for a global customer base.

What Indian IT Leaders Should Do Now

• Invest in People: Accelerate upskilling, leadership, and digital capability-building.
• Showcase India’s Ecosystem: Reinforce India as a source of cutting-edge talent and digital solutions.
• Foster Startup Alliances: Encourage partnerships and international collaboration.
• Expand Globally: Open new international offices, especially in regions with open talent policies.

Conclusion

While the US visa fee hike is disruptive, it’s also a signal: India’s tech talent is a force the world cannot ignore. If we invest in our people, foster innovation, and think globally, India’s IT industry will not just survive this shift it will thrive.

Ready to build the next big thing with Ortem Technologies? Contact us today and let’s shape the future together.