News: H1B and L1 Fee increase by 2000 – Impact to Indian IT Companies

Recently few days ago senate passed a bill that says H1B visa fee increase by $2000… As I was reading economic times today,  they highlights the impact of the H1B and L1 fee increase to Indian software companies.  The tricky part is, American based companies like Microsoft and Intel are not impacted by this because they do not have  over 50% of temporary workers.

Summary of the impact to Indian Software companies :

• Nasscom reports, the increase will cost Indian Companies by $200 to $250 Million per year.
• As most of the Indian outsourcing companies have 70% to 80% of temporary workers on H1B and L1 visa, the H1B fee increase will heavily impact all these companies and especially like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro because they send around 10,000 professionals every year
• Indian IT Companies are not happy to pay for the border protection of US and say that it is not compliant with World Trade Organization fair practices.
• The biggest burden is companies have to deal with the cost for new applications, renewals and transfers. If you think of it, it is a huge cost.
• Infosys, Wipro and other stocks were slightly ( 0.3 %) down today with the news of H1B fee increase. Infosys already spent $16 million in visa expenses until now this year.

Still the bill is not yet completely passed and signed. It has to be passed by the House of Representatives. They plan to vote on this on tomorrow (Tuesday, August 10^th ). There is another bill related to this and House may   consolidate the $701 million bill with the $600 million bill. We just have to wait and see.

Read the full article posted few days ago for Original press release and Video :  H1B and L1 fee increase by $2000

News Articles on the H1B and L1 $2000 Fee increase:

• Washington Post : Indian IT Companies on border security bill
• Economic Times : H1B fee doubles for border – Impact
• Wall Street Journal : Infosys higher cost on H1Bs

Image Credit : http://www.jmorganmarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/impact_solution_logo.jpg

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