The H-1B visa, long considered the golden ticket for Indian tech professionals in the US, has been thrown into turmoil. On September 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications. While existing visa holders are exempt, the steep hike has rattled India, which accounts for nearly 71% of H-1B approvals. Industry body Nasscom has already warned of disruptions to IT operations, and families are recalibrating their migration dreams.
H1B influences the Matrimonial market. Especially the Telugu community!
When we launched Knot Dating in the US (including 5 other countries) They key insight that came out: VISA status matters. And it’s often a dealbreaker.
Now American NRI profiles can be selected basis their… pic.twitter.com/gpK0Gb3i1d
— Jasveer Singh (@jasveer10) September 21, 2025
Why Visa status can become a “Dealbreaker”
Jasveer Singh, CEO of Knot Dating, revealed that visa status has emerged as one of the top filters in matrimonial decisions. For many Indian NRIs, especially in the US, a stable work visa is synonymous with financial security and long-term settlement. With the new cost barrier, families increasingly see a valid H-1B or Green Card as a marker of status and stability, sometimes even more important than education or character.
Thats what I tweeted yesterday. The cost of the groom in the Telugu community is gonna grow exponentially now :)https://t.co/LKryRNYE3Y
— nutanc (@nutanc) September 21, 2025
The Telugu community connection
The Telugu diaspora is particularly impacted. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have a long tradition of sending students and IT professionals to the US, making the H-1B almost a cultural aspiration. Within Telugu matrimonial circles, grooms with secure US visas often command premium attention. With the new $100,000 fee, the “value” of an H-1B holder is expected to rise sharply, fueling both demand and exclusivity in matchmaking. One user on X joked, “The cost of the groom in the Telugu community is gonna grow exponentially now.”
This is pathetic way of filtering out people before getting married ♂️ based on their financials.
Anyway I earn more than 2-3 Cr but I won’t choose my wife like this at all in future
How can you know their character compatability values coping up with your Dreams interests…— VIKRAM- THE GAMECHANGER (@gamechanger0078) September 21, 2025
Netizen reactions
Reactions online have been mixed. Some users criticised the trend as shallow: “This is a pathetic way of filtering out people before marriage based on their financials… what about compatibility, values, and passion?” Others mocked the new reality: “Trump sets a $100k H-1B fee and suddenly ‘Do you have H-1B?’ becomes sexier than ‘Do you love me?’”
Beyond visas and value
While humor and criticism abound, the deeper question remains: should marriage decisions hinge on immigration status? For many, the H-1B may symbolize security and global opportunity, but critics argue that reducing relationships to visa categories risks overshadowing compatibility, love, and shared values,the true foundation of a lasting marriage.
