Sonata Software Ltd, a major player in the Indian IT sector, has announced that the recently implemented hike in H-1B visa fees in the United States will have minimal impact on its operations. The company clarified that all existing H-1B employees and contractors currently deployed remain unaffected by the fee increase, mitigating immediate disruptions to ongoing projects and business continuity.
Background: The H-1B Fee Hike and Industry Concerns
The US government’s new policy, effective from September 21, 2025, imposes a substantially increased annual fee of $100,000 on new H-1B visa applications—a massive leap from previous fees ranging between $2,000 and $5,000. This move has sparked widespread concern across the Indian IT industry, as the H-1B visa program has historically enabled talent mobility to the US, particularly for highly skilled roles in technology and innovation sectors.
Industry body Nasscom has raised alarms about the potential ripple effects on Indian IT services providers, warning that such sharp increases could disrupt onshore Indian projects, raise operational costs, and challenge existing business models. Leading firms have been actively adjusting their onshore-offshore workforce mix in recent years to mitigate visa exposure.
Sonata Software’s Position and Workforce
Despite the challenging new regulatory environment, Sonata Software has emphasized its limited direct exposure to new H-1B visa application fees, owing largely to its existing global delivery model and workforce distribution. As per Sonata's disclosures, the company has not filed any significant new H-1B applications in recent fiscal years, focusing instead on renewing or transferring visas for existing personnel—a category not impacted by the fee hike.
This strategic approach helps Sonata maintain stable operations especially in North America, where a majority of its onshore employees are already covered under existing visa approvals. The company also benefits from a growing trend of increased local hiring in the US, a method that Indian IT firms are leveraging globally.
Financial and Operational Impact: Minimal Disruption
Market analysts and investment firms monitoring Sonata Software anticipate only a marginal financial impact from the new fee structure, as the company’s current visa-related expenses largely pertain to renewals and transfers exempt from the $100,000 fee spike. This sets Sonata apart from peers more reliant on fresh visa filings.
Additionally, the company's diversified client base and emphasis on building technology capabilities offshore rather than relying solely on physical presence in the US help cushion any adverse consequences.
Sonata management has expressed commitment to ensure seamless project delivery and client engagement, even as the company reviews future visa policy changes and adapts workforce strategies accordingly.
Broader Industry Trends and Future Readiness
With the US tightening visa norms, Indian IT majors, including Sonata, are accelerating their investments in global capability centers, automation, and skill development to reduce dependency on temporary work visas. This transition aligns with evolving industry demands and US immigration policy uncertainties, especially in technology hotspots driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing advancements.
Some analysts predict a medium-term rise in wage inflation for workers onsite in the US due to talent supply constraints but believe firms with flexible models like Sonata will fare better.
Conclusion
Sonata Software’s measured and stable handling of the recent steep H-1B visa fee escalation highlights its operational resilience and prudent workforce management. By ensuring no disruption to existing employees and contractors, and limiting new visa exposure through strategic hiring and delivery models, Sonata fortifies its position on the global IT services stage despite regulatory headwinds.
The company’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with a focus on innovation, client confidence, and global scalability to navigate evolving immigration landscapes while maintaining sustainable growth.
Sources: Sonata Software filings and investor presentations, New Indian Express, Upstox, My Visa Jobs
