South Korea Unites With India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan and Philippines To Face Travel Visa Challenges as US Imposes New One Hundred Thousand Dollar Fee: Everything You Need to Know

South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, and the Philippines are uniting to face the challenges posed by the U.S.’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. This fee creates financial barriers, affecting skilled professionals’ access to U.S. job opportunities. With a significant portion of the global H-1B visa pool coming from these nations, this new policy threatens to restrict opportunities for many talented individuals seeking to work in the United States, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare.

The imposition of such a steep fee has sparked concerns across Asia, particularly in countries where a substantial number of professionals rely on the H-1B visa system to advance their careers. For nations like South Korea and India, where the demand for U.S. work visas has been consistently high, the financial burden could limit the ability of smaller and mid-sized companies to sponsor skilled workers. Similarly, countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, and the Philippines—who have seen lower numbers of H-1B approvals in comparison—are also facing significant setbacks, as the fee could further reduce their professionals’ chances of securing employment in the U.S.

In response to these challenges, these countries are coming together to address the repercussions of the new fee, advocating for changes that would maintain a fairer and more accessible system for skilled workers. As they join forces, the global conversation on the future of skilled migration is intensifying, with a particular focus on the lasting impact this policy could have on international relations, workforce mobility, and the U.S. labor market. In this article, we explore the impact of this new fee, the collaborative response from affected nations, and what it means for professionals looking to navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration.

South Korea: Growing Presence Amidst Tough Competition

South Korea, with 2,382 H-1B visa approvals in 2024, accounts for 1.7% of the total visa grants. This represents a growing interest from South Korean professionals seeking employment in the United States, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and finance. While South Korea’s numbers remain relatively small compared to global giants like India, the nation’s emphasis on higher education and technological innovation makes it an important player in the H-1B landscape. The rise of South Korean multinational corporations, particularly in the electronics and automotive sectors, has created a pool of highly skilled professionals that U.S. employers seek.

However, like many other countries, South Korea faces intense competition in securing H-1B visas due to the lottery system and the complexities of the application process. Despite a relatively lower percentage of total approvals, South Korean applicants continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, and their technical expertise remains in high demand. Going forward, South Korea may need to enhance efforts in educating its workforce about the H-1B process to ensure that more of its professionals are prepared to successfully navigate the system and secure opportunities in the U.S.

India: Dominating the H-1B Visa Market

India remains the undisputed leader in H-1B visa approvals, securing a massive 80,449 approvals in 2024, accounting for 57% of the total number of visas granted. This dominant share reflects India’s growing presence in the U.S. job market, with many skilled professionals in fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare seeking opportunities in the United States. The country has seen a steady rise in H-1B applications over the years, owing to its large pool of highly educated and technically proficient professionals. Moreover, India’s strong education system, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, continues to churn out top-tier talent that meets the U.S. labor market’s demands.

The robust relationship between Indian tech companies and U.S. firms also plays a crucial role in the high number of H-1B visa approvals. Many U.S.-based companies rely on Indian professionals to fill critical tech roles, especially in Silicon Valley. However, despite India’s strong performance in securing H-1B visas, challenges persist. The growing number of applicants, combined with the lottery system, means that only a fraction of qualified professionals are selected each year, creating a competitive environment for the best talent.

Pakistan: Struggling for a Footing in the U.S. Job Market

Pakistan’s total of 1,954 approved H-1B visas in 2024, making up just 1.4% of the total approvals, highlights a range of challenges faced by Pakistani professionals looking to work in the United States. While Pakistan has a sizable pool of skilled workers, especially in fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare, the country’s limited awareness about the H-1B process has played a significant role in keeping the number of applicants relatively low. Additionally, the U.S. visa system, characterized by its complexity and the highly competitive lottery system, creates further barriers for those who are not well-versed in the application procedures.

Historically, Pakistan has had stronger ties to employment opportunities in the Middle East and other neighboring regions, which has shaped the country’s professional migration patterns. The imposition of the $100,000 fee for H-1B visa holders could exacerbate the situation for Pakistani professionals, as smaller and mid-sized U.S. companies may find it financially burdensome to sponsor workers from Pakistan. This could lead to fewer opportunities for Pakistanis in the U.S. job market and may impact the country’s ability to fully leverage its talent pool.

Bangladesh: A Small Slice of the H-1B Pie

Bangladesh, with only 765 approved H-1B visas in 2024, represents a mere 0.5% of the total number of visas granted. This small percentage reflects the limited engagement that Bangladesh has had with the U.S. visa system, particularly when compared to larger countries like India and China. The country’s workforce is still primarily oriented toward traditional industries like textiles, agriculture, and labor migration, rather than sectors typically associated with H-1B visa holders, such as technology, engineering, and finance. As a result, many Bangladeshi professionals are not fully aware of the opportunities the H-1B visa could offer.

In addition, the complicated nature of the H-1B application process and the competitive lottery system present significant challenges. Given the relatively low number of approved visas, there is a need for greater awareness and resources in Bangladesh to guide skilled workers through the visa application process. Moving forward, Bangladesh could benefit from increasing its focus on STEM education and creating pathways for its professionals to engage more effectively with the U.S. labor market, particularly as the demand for global talent in the U.S. continues to grow.

Japan: A Minor Player in the U.S. Job Market

Japan’s H-1B visa approval numbers remain relatively low, with only 439 visas granted in 2024, representing just 0.2% of the total number of visas issued. Despite Japan’s reputation as a global leader in technology, automotive, and engineering industries, its share of H-1B visas is limited. The low number of approvals may be attributed to a variety of factors, including the country’s well-established domestic job market, where skilled professionals often find ample opportunities. Additionally, Japan’s relatively insular workforce culture may deter many from seeking employment abroad, particularly in the competitive and complex U.S. visa system.

For Japanese professionals, the H-1B visa application process can be a daunting task, requiring careful navigation through the lottery system and a deep understanding of the U.S. employment landscape. While Japan continues to produce highly skilled professionals, there is room for improvement in terms of fostering greater awareness of international opportunities like the H-1B visa. Increased collaboration between Japan’s tech and engineering sectors and U.S. companies may help boost the number of Japanese professionals applying for H-1B visas in the future.

Sri Lanka: A Minimal Presence in the H-1B Landscape

Sri Lanka’s total of only 221 approved H-1B visas in 2024, representing a mere 0.1% of the total, underscores the country’s limited participation in the U.S. visa system. The relatively low number of approvals can be attributed to a combination of factors, including limited awareness of the H-1B visa process and a workforce that is traditionally oriented toward industries like agriculture and manufacturing, rather than high-tech sectors that dominate the H-1B space. Moreover, the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, coupled with the competitive nature of the H-1B lottery, create significant barriers for Sri Lankan professionals.

In addition, Sri Lanka’s strong economic and professional ties to the Middle East and other neighboring countries have historically directed many workers away from the United States. The lack of focus on STEM education and the relatively small number of professionals in fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare further limit the country’s share of H-1B visas. To increase its presence in the U.S. job market, Sri Lanka could benefit from initiatives to raise awareness about the H-1B visa and foster greater alignment between its workforce development and the needs of U.S. employers.

Philippines: Limited Representation Despite Strong Demand

The Philippines, with a total of 3,456 H-1B visa approvals in 2024, represents just 2.4% of the overall total. While this number might seem modest in comparison to larger nations like India, it reflects a specific set of factors shaping the Philippine workforce’s interaction with the U.S. job market. The country’s population, though highly educated, has traditionally had more opportunities in the Middle East and other parts of Asia, with fewer looking toward the U.S. for employment. Additionally, the Philippines has a strong focus on industries like healthcare and customer service, fields which do not have as many H-1B visa openings compared to tech-driven sectors.

Despite the challenges, the Philippines continues to see a steady demand for skilled workers in the United States. Filipino nurses, healthcare professionals, and engineers often find opportunities in the U.S. labor market, especially in specialized fields. However, the country’s limited share of H-1B approvals suggests a need for broader awareness and better preparation for the complexities of the visa process. As U.S. employers continue to seek a global talent pool, it is essential for the Philippines to align its workforce development with the demands of the H-1B visa system, providing more tailored pathways for professionals to access U.S. opportunities.

South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, and the Philippines are uniting to face the challenges posed by the U.S.’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. This fee creates financial barriers, affecting skilled professionals’ access to U.S. job opportunities across these nations.

Conclusion

South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, and the Philippines are coming together to address the challenges posed by the U.S.’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas. This fee creates financial barriers for skilled professionals, limiting their access to U.S. job opportunities. As these nations unite, they seek to mitigate the negative impact on their workforce, advocating for fairer policies that ensure global talent can continue to contribute to the U.S. economy without financial hindrances.

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