President Donald Trump’s executive order raising H-1B visa application fees to $100,000 has sparked widespread concern across the U.S. tech sector. The H-1B program, which allows companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals, particularly engineers, AI researchers, and software developers, has long been a cornerstone of American innovation. While the new fee only applies to new applicants, its financial and operational implications are significant. Tech giants, mid-sized firms, and startups alike are evaluating how the increase could affect talent acquisition, project timelines, and competitive positioning. Experts warn that smaller startups may face the greatest strain, as the hike may force jobs overseas, slow innovation, and reduce access to highly specialized global talent.
Top tech companies most affected by the H-1B visa hike
Amazon: Powering global e-commerce, cloud, and AI innovation
As the world’s largest e-commerce company and a leader in cloud computing through AWS, Amazon depends heavily on H-1B talent to maintain its edge in AI, logistics, and data analytics. Engineers, data scientists, and cloud specialists from around the globe contribute to its innovation pipelines, new product development, and operational efficiency. Losing or delaying access to this talent pool could slow AI initiatives, hinder AWS expansion, and affect global operations.
- Total certified H-1B approvals: 15,043
- Total employees worldwide: 1,556,000
Microsoft: Leading AI , cloud, and enterprise solutions worldwide
Microsoft’s technological ecosystem spans cloud services, enterprise software, AI research, and gaming. The company’s H-1B workforce plays a critical role in developing Azure, Microsoft 365, AI models, and cybersecurity solutions. Any disruption in hiring skilled international talent could impact R&D, product rollouts, and global competitiveness. Microsoft’s long-term strategic projects, including AI research labs and cloud expansion, rely on continued access to global professionals.
- Total certified H-1B approvals: 6,043
- Total employees worldwide: 228,000
Meta: Shaping the future of social media, AI, and the metaverse
Meta’s research in VR, AR, AI, and social media innovation is powered by a large contingent of skilled foreign professionals. H-1B workers are integral to Meta’s development of the metaverse, AI chatbots, and social networking technologies. Limiting access to these visas could slow Meta’s competitive edge in next-generation technologies and disrupt global projects critical to user engagement and growth.
- Total certified H-1B approvals: 5,124
- Total employees worldwide: 74,067
Alphabet (Google): Innovating search, AI, and cloud solutions globally
Google’s dominance in search algorithms, cloud services, AI, and advertising is supported by a highly specialized H-1B workforce. Engineers and AI researchers contribute to breakthrough projects like generative AI, autonomous systems, and Google Cloud expansion. Delays in recruiting international talent could affect product innovation cycles and the company’s ability to maintain technological leadership.
- Total certified H-1B approvals: 4,319
- Total employees worldwide: 183,323
Apple: Driving consumer tech, software, and hardware innovation
Apple’s success in creating iconic devices, software platforms, and services depends on global talent. H-1B workers play crucial roles in software development, chip design, AI applications, and engineering projects that fuel iPhone, Mac, and iPad innovations. Restrictions on hiring could slow product development timelines and research initiatives, affecting Apple’s global competitiveness.
- Total certified H-1B approvals: 4,253
- Total employees worldwide: 164,000
Other notable companies and their H-1B reliance
- Oracle: Relies on H-1B talent for enterprise software and cloud services; 2,135 approvals; 162,000 employees
- Intel: H-1B engineers critical for semiconductor, AI, and hardware innovation; 1,707 approvals; 108,900 employees
- IBM: Cloud computing, AI, and quantum research fueled by skilled H-1B professionals; 1,600 approvals; 270,300 employees
- Cisco: Networking, cybersecurity, and software solutions powered by H-1B workers; 1,576 approvals; 86,200 employees
- Nvidia: AI, GPUs, and machine learning projects rely on global engineers; 1,473 approvals; 36,000 employees
- ByteDance (TikTok): Social media, AI, and content moderation tech depend on H-1B talent; 1,360 approvals; 150,000 employees
- Salesforce: Cloud software and enterprise solutions powered by skilled international professionals; 1,137 approvals; 76,453 employees
- Qualcomm: Mobile technology and 5G innovation supported by H-1B workforce; 1,039 approvals; 49,000 employees
- Intuit: Financial software and AI solutions development relies on global tech talent; 742 approvals; 18,200 employees
- Tesla: EV engineering, energy projects, and AI initiatives depend on international engineers; 728 approvals; 125,665 employees
- PayPal: Fintech and payment infrastructure supported by H-1B specialists; 694 approvals; 24,400 employees
- Uber: Ridesharing, AI logistics, and autonomous vehicle projects rely on H-1B professionals; 671 approvals; 31,100 employees
- Adobe: Creative cloud, AI, and software tools developed with H-1B expertise; 562 approvals; 30,709 employees
- Bloomberg: Financial analytics and global data services powered by skilled H-1B staff; 560 approvals; 26,000 employees
- ServiceNow: Cloud enterprise software innovation depends on H-1B engineers; 517 approvals; 26,293 employees
Impact of H-1B visa hike on the US tech industry
The $100,000 fee hike could significantly alter hiring dynamics, especially for startups and mid-sized tech firms with limited budgets. Larger companies may absorb costs but face potential delays in onboarding essential talent. H-1B workers historically drive innovation in AI, software, cloud computing, and engineering, and restricted access may slow technological advancements, disrupt R&D, and weaken U.S. competitiveness globally. Experts caution that the policy could inadvertently push tech jobs overseas and challenge America’s position as a hub for top-tier global talent.