WASHINGTON (Enmaeya News) — September 22, 2025
The Trump administration announced Friday that it plans to charge companies $100,000 per year for each H-1B visa, a move that could hit technology firms heavily reliant on skilled foreign workers from India and China.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers in specialized fields like tech, engineering, and science. It’s employer-sponsored, usually lasts 3–6 years, and fills critical talent gaps.
The policy change is part of the administration’s broader immigration crackdown. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs.”
Big tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and JPMorgan, advised H-1B employees to remain in the U.S. or return quickly before the new fees take effect. Internal emails reviewed by Reuters instructed visa holders outside the U.S. to return by midnight Saturday, when the fee rules are expected to begin.
Critics argue the program already suppresses wages and limits opportunities for U.S. workers. Supporters, including Elon Musk, say H-1B visas bring in highly skilled talent essential for innovation and filling job gaps.
The fee could add millions of dollars in costs for companies, especially small tech firms and startups. Analysts warn it may also push some work overseas, weakening America’s competitive edge in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence.
India is the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, receiving 71% of approvals last year, followed by China at 11.7%. Nearly all fees are paid by employers, and visas typically last three to six years.
Trump also signed an executive order creating a “gold card” that grants permanent U.S. residency to those who can pay $1 million.
The H-1B program issues 65,000 visas annually, with another 20,000 for workers holding advanced degrees. Officials said the new $100,000 fee would apply for the three-year duration of the visa, though details are still being finalized.
