By A sharp change in U.S. immigration policy—specifically a new annual fee of $100,000 for each new H-1B visa issued—has sent ripples through global financial markets. The fee increase, announced by the Trump administration, directly challenges how tech firms hire skilled international workers, especially from India.
In European markets, notably in Frankfurt, U.S. tech giants saw modest reactions: mixed share movements among the “Magnificent Seven,” with some companies down slightly, others up to ≈1.1%. Investors appear to be digesting the cost implications.
In Asia, market reactions varied. India’s IT indices fell sharply; companies such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro declined roughly 2-4%, as the sector — which makes a substantial portion of its revenue from the U.S. — faces uncertainty about new visa-driven costs.
Analysts clarified that the fee applies only to new H-1B visa applications—not renewals—and current visa holders remain unaffected. However, the announcement caused initial confusion among workers and firms alike, with some concerned about longer-term implications.
Meanwhile, attention in these markets remains split: some focus on U.S. Federal Reserve rate decisions, with speculation about further rate cuts before year end, which could influence investment in tech and growth sectors.