Understanding Trump’s Proposed $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visas

President Donald Trump has announced a new policy imposing a $100,000 fee on each new H-1B visa petition, effective from September 21, 2025. This significant increase from the previous cost of $2,000 to $5,000 is expected to impact American companies that hire skilled foreign workers, especially in the tech and engineering fields.

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ highly educated foreign professionals in specialty occupations, such as software development, engineering, and medical research. It typically lasts for three years and can be extended up to six. Each year, 65,000 H-1B visas are available, plus 20,000 more for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.

As of 2023, nearly 65% of H-1B workers held computer-related roles, and over 70% were Indian citizens. India’s government expressed concern, citing potential humanitarian issues for families affected by the sudden fee. Some visa holders rushed to enter the U.S. before the fee took effect, sparking confusion and concern.

Major employers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Google, JPMorgan Chase, and Walmart rely heavily on H-1B workers. Experts warn the new fee could cause a “brain drain,” pushing skilled workers to seek opportunities elsewhere and slowing U.S. innovation and economic growth.

H-1B workers do not replace American jobs. Employers must prove that hiring foreign workers won’t harm U.S. employment conditions. Studies have shown these workers actually help expand job opportunities for Americans, with low unemployment rates in H-1B-heavy fields over the past two decades.

H-1B visa, Donald Trump, foreign workers, tech companies, immigration policy