Thousands of skilled immigrants in the US will breathe a sigh of relief after a federal court in Massachusetts struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B visa fees, calling it unlawful.
The order comes after another federal court in Washington DC upheld the fee hike in December 2025.
The H-1B program applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens in specialty occupations, requiring a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
The program has benefited tech giants like Amazon, Tata Consultancy Services, and Microsoft, with over 65,000 visas allotted annually.
The Trump administration hiked the fee from $2,000 to $100,000 to discourage companies from using the program, but the court ruled it unlawful.
Indian immigrants constitute a large section of H-1B visa holders, with around 70% of visas approved for Indian workers in 2024.
The ruling may be short-lived, as the White House spokesperson hinted that the order will be challenged in an appellate court.
