Tech Companies urge H-1B Visa Holders to Remain in U.S. Amidst Fee uncertainty
Major technology companies, including Microsoft (MS), Google, and Amazon, are advising their H-1B visa employees to postpone or cancel international travel following a recent White House announcement regarding potential visa fee increases. Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday that these companies are urging employees to remain in the United States.
The initial announcement from the Trump management proposed raising the H-1B visa fee to $10,000 per person (approximately 14 million won), a notable increase from current levels. While the White House later clarified that the increased fee would only apply to new visas and not affect existing holders, uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the policy has prompted caution.
Microsoft explicitly instructed its H-1B visa employees to “stay in the United States for the time being,” but also cautioned that the White house’s explanation doesn’t guarantee the return of colleagues currently abroad for important personal reasons. Companies and immigration lawyers are broadly advising H-1B visa holders to proceed with caution.
The sudden changes have caused confusion and anxiety among visa holders. Lawrence, a 34-year-old engineer who recently relocated from the UK to the San Francisco bay area, was advised by his company’s immigration lawyers to “stay in the UK while waiting for additional information” despite having already made significant life changes, including selling his car and leasing a home.
Google experienced a direct impact, with one employee cancelling a planned family trip to Tokyo following the White House announcement. Amazon also recommended that H-4 visa holders – spouses and children of H-1B visa holders – remain in the United States.
Data from the USCIS database shows that the 2025 fiscal year, beginning in October of last year, has seen a high allocation of H-1B visas as of June 30th. amazon.com itself has been allocated visas for 144 people. Combined, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Amazon Progress Center US are expected to receive over 14,000 H-1B visas.
Following Amazon, the companies with the largest number of H-1B visa allocations are Microsoft (5,198 people), Meta (5,123 people), Apple (4,202 people), and Google (4,181 people).
[Yonhap News]
