H-1B’s new $100k entry cost: why young Indian women are most at risk, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The U.S. government is imposing a new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.
• In FY24, 37% of H-1B visa recipients approved for initial employment were women.
• The bottom quarter of women H-1B workers earned about $71,000, compared to $80,000 for men in FY24.
• 75% of women approved for new jobs in FY24 were under 35 years of age.

Detailed Insights:

• The new H-1B visa fee disproportionately affects young Indian women due to lower average salaries and a higher percentage of new applicants.
• Data from FY24 indicates that women are increasingly seeking H-1B visas, with a significant portion applying for initial employment.
• The increased cost may deter employers from sponsoring new H-1B beneficiaries, especially women who generally earn less than men.
• Indian women constitute a significant portion of H-1B beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to the fee's impact.
• A higher percentage of women H-1B applicants hold Master's degrees, yet they still face a disadvantage due to the new fee.

Key Concepts Involved:

• H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
• FY24: Refers to the United States Federal Government's fiscal year 2024, which began on October 1, 2023, and ended on September 30, 2024.