Trump Administration Announces $100,000 Fee for New H-1B Visas
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Trump administration is implementing a considerable new fee for applications under the H-1B visa program, effectively raising the cost for companies to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today that a $100,000 fee will be levied on new H-1B visa petitions, a move impacting technology firms and other industries reliant on skilled foreign talent.
This dramatic increase in costs arrives as a reversal of previously expressed intentions by former President Trump.During his 2020 electoral campaign, while seeking support from the technology sector, Trump signaled openness to easing talent acquisition, even suggesting pathways to permanent residency for university graduates. He stated in a podcast interview on All-In,”A personnel reserve is needed to work in companies…You have to be able to recruit and retain these people.” The new fee structure sharply contrasts with those earlier statements and is expected to substantially curtail the number of H-1B visas sought by U.S. employers.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Sectors like facts technology, engineering, and healthcare frequently utilize the program to fill critical skill gaps. The administration asserts the new fee is necessary to fund worker retraining programs for Americans displaced by automation and outsourcing, though critics argue it will stifle innovation and economic growth.
The fee will be in addition to existing H-1B request costs, which already include government filing fees and legal expenses. The department of Homeland Security has indicated the new fee will be regularly assessed and adjusted based on program needs and economic conditions.Implementation is expected within the next 60 days, prompting companies to reassess their hiring strategies and potentially delay or cancel planned H-1B visa sponsorships.
