US H-1B Visa Fees Surge to $100,000 for New Applicants
WASHINGTON – The US government has dramatically increased the cost of H-1B visas, a key pathway for skilled foreign workers, to $100,000 for new applications, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced Friday.The fee, previously around $1,500, applies to companies seeking to hire employees from abroad with specialized skills not readily available in the US.
The policy shift comes after American companies cautioned employees working outside the US to return, fearing the increased costs. Leavitt clarified the $100,000 fee is a one-time charge and does not affect existing H-1B visa holders seeking extensions or those currently abroad on valid visas.
The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allocates 85,000 visas annually through a lottery system. Approximately 70% of these visas are granted to Indian nationals, with around 11% going to Chinese citizens.Major tech companies, including Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, collectively employ roughly 22,000 workers through the H-1B program.
The Trump administration also unveiled a “Gold Card” offering permanent residency for a $1 million investment.
The move reflects the administration’s stated goal of prioritizing American workers. Commerce Secretary Lutnick asserted the government wants companies to “train people, do that with Americans,” and stop “getting people here who take our jobs.”
