Lok Sabha Question No. 937 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-05
Subject: Impact of change in H-1B Visa policies
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ms. Mahua Moitra, Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 937 ANSWERED ON- 05/12/2025 IMPACT OF CHANGE IN H-1B VISA POLICIES

937.  DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY MS. MAHUA MOITRA Will the Minister of  EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :(a) whether the Government is aware of  recent changes in tariff structures and H-1B visa policies by certain countries, particularly the United States, that could adversely affect Indian exports and skilled professionals; (b)   if  so, the details thereof  along with the estimated number of

Indian Citizens affected by the said policy change during the last three years and those likely to be affected in the coming years; (c)   the estimated impact of  these tariff  changes on India's key export   sectors   such   as   IT,   textiles,   pharmaceuticals   and engineering goods;

(d) whether the Government has taken up the issue of  restrictive H1B visa norms and increased rejection rates with the concerned foreign governments and if so, the details thereof; (e)     the   steps   being   taken   by   the   Government   to   protect   the interests of  Indian exporters and skilled professionals abroad and to   negotiate   fairer   trade   and   visa   arrangements   in   bilateral   or multilateral forums?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a   to   e) On 31 July  2025,   the   U.S.   imposed   reciprocal   tariffs, invoking   national   emergency   authorities   under   the   International Emergency   Economic   Powers   Act   (IEEPA),   on   certain   goods exported by most countries, including India.  Further, on 27 August 2025, an additional 25% ad valorem duty was applied on select Indian exports under IEEPA in response to India's importation of Russian oil.

In parallel, the U.S. has imposed a range of sector-specific tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act on products such as

steel   and   aluminium,   copper,   upholstered   furniture   and   kitchen cabinets, softwood, and automobiles.

Several   goods   and   services,   including   crude   oil   and   petroleum products,   pharmaceuticals,   bullion,   certain   electronic   items, precious metals, critical minerals, resins and plastics, agricultural products, and IT services, among others, have not been subject to tariffs.

Based on 2024 trade data, an estimated USD 47.2 billion of India's merchandise exports to the U.S., out of a total of about USD 86.4 billion, fall under the categories subject to these additional tariffs.

Government   remains   in   close   consultation   with   exporters   and industry to assess their feedback on the implications of the U.S. measures. Engagement with the United States is ongoing, including through negotiations aimed at concluding a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

On 19 September 2025, the U.S. Administration issued guidelines titled 'Presidential Proclamation' imposing a fee of US$ 100,000 on new H-1B petitions if the petitioner does not have a valid H-1 B visa and is applying from outside the United States. Subsequently, the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) issued H1B   FAQ   on   21   September   2025   giving   clarity   on   the

non-applicability   of   the   fee   to   certain   categories   of   applicants already residing in the U.S. Since the proclamation took effect only from 21st September 2025, there is no comparable data as yet to demonstrate its impact on Indian nationals.

Separately,   the   U.S.   Department   of   Homeland   Security   is   also considering implementing a weighted selection process that would generally favour the allocation of H-1B visas to higher skilled and higher paid aliens. Any assessment of its impact is hypothetical at this stage.

While visa-related decisions are sovereign matters, India believes that skilled talent mobility has long played a significant role in promoting technology advancement, innovation, economic growth, and   wealth   creation   in   both   India   and   the   United   States. Stakeholders in both countries remain engaged in discussions on ensuring   continued   support   for   innovation-driven   industries.   The Government   of   India   remains   actively   engaged   with   the   U.S. Government on all matters concerning our national interests.

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