U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday declared that the application fee for new H-1B visas would rise dramatically to $100,000, a move that has sent shockwaves across the corporate sector. The announcement sparked immediate reactions from employers and widespread debate on social media about the implications for skilled foreign workers.
Until now, employers paid between $2,000 and $5,000 per application, depending on company size. Under the new policy, effective Sunday, firms must provide proof of the $100,000 payment before filing an H-1B petition. Applications will be suspended for up to 12 months if payments are not completed, according to the White House.
The new fee applies exclusively to first-time H-1B applicants. Current visa holders and renewals remain exempt. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the charge is a one-time payment, not an annual fee, and exceptions may be granted for workers deemed vital to U.S. national interests.
Applicants already abroad on H-1B visas will not need to pay again upon reentry. The government also plans to issue guidance for B visa holders starting work before October 2026 to prevent misuse of business visas as substitutes for H-1Bs.
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) when suitable American candidates are unavailable. Workers from India and China dominate this category, making up about 71% and 12% of approvals last year, respectively, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Each year, 65,000 visas are available under the H-1B cap, with an additional 20,000 reserved for advanced degree holders from U.S. universities. Demand typically far exceeds supply, leading to a lottery-based selection system.
According to Pew Research, roughly 60% of successful applicants since 2012 have taken computer-related jobs. In fiscal year 2025, Amazon topped the list of sponsoring companies with over 10,000 approvals, followed by Microsoft, Meta, and Tata Consultancy Services with more than 5,000 each. Apple and Google also ranked among the leading sponsors, each securing more than 4,000 H-1B workers.
The steep increase in fees is expected to place additional strain on companies that rely heavily on global talent, particularly in the tech sector. Analysts warn the measure could reshape hiring strategies, push more firms to explore alternatives overseas, and intensify debates about the balance between protecting American jobs and maintaining the U.S. as a magnet for global expertise.