Major Fee Increase Proposed for H-1B Visas Under Trump Plan

The Trump administration is preparing to require a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. If it happens, this would be a major change to how foreign workers enter the U.S. to work in high-skill jobs.

Right now, people who want an H-1B visa pay much smaller fees. Employers apply for these visas so they can hire skilled workers, especially in tech and science. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google often use H-1B visas for engineers, programmers, and other specialists.

Under the plan, applicants or their employers would need to pay $100,000 when applying. The administration says this fee aims to reduce misuse of the visa program and help protect the wages of U.S. workers. The idea is that many people and employers use the system in ways that put downward pressure on wages, meaning U.S. workers might lose out.

Because of this proposed fee, many tech firms are concerned. They say it will make it much harder to attract talent from other countries. Some worry that fewer people will apply, especially those who can’t afford such a high cost. Others say the fee could change how companies hire, or even where they locate work.

Legal experts are also watching closely. They say a proclamation might be used to make this change, but there could be challenges in putting it in place. There is also talk about changing how wages are set for H-1B positions to make sure foreign workers are paid more.

The effect of this change could be large. Foreign workers who were hoping to come to the U.S. or renew their visas may face sudden new costs. Smaller companies that hire H-1B workers may feel the burden most. Big tech could adapt more easily, but even they might review their hiring plans.

For now, the fee is not yet law. It is expected to be formalized in a presidential proclamation soon. The administration says changes may come with other rules that raise wage floors or change terms under which people can work under H-1B.