KOLKATA: The steep $100,000 H-1B visa fee has jolted tech firms in Kolkata’s Sector V, prompting multinational and local companies alike to redraw strategies — from reducing on-site US visits to expanding India-based operations.
Industry executives said firms now face hard choices: absorb the cost, pass it on to clients, or halt new H-1B applications altogether. Many see the development as an inflection point likely to accelerate remote work models.
“The hike will push companies to rely more on remote hiring and operations, boosting demand for skilled Indian tech professionals,” said an official at a national consultancy with a Sector V presence.
Stakeholders expect hybrid models to evolve, with client-facing roles handled locally while bulk operations run from India and other offshore hubs. “Collaboration tools, global capability centres, and remote team integration will become core to strategy,” noted a senior director representing multinational firms in the cluster.
Experts flagged ripple effects. Demand could temporarily shift to nearshore countries aligned with US work hours, while US firms may establish larger bases in India to tap talent directly.
For aspirants, however, the move is a blow. “Such exorbitant fees kill the dream of young tech workers seeking US careers. Even American companies will lose flexibility in sourcing global talent,” said Kaustav De, a senior cloud architect.
