A senior White House official has confirmed that President Trump aims to implement a new $100,000 application fee for H-1B work visas. Technology businesses, deeply dependent on foreign expertise—particularly from India and China—are likely to experience significant repercussions. The initiative extends the Trump administration’s strategy of introducing tighter immigration controls. Many technology firms have voiced apprehension regarding the increased financial burden and the likely consequences for their staffing plans.
The Republican leader is expected, as early as Friday, to sign a proclamation that would limit entry under the H-1B visa scheme unless the hefty application fee is paid, according to the official. Any announcement would mandate firms to submit the entire fee in advance, with applications only processed upon receipt.
TECH COMPANIES’ DEPENDENCE ON INTERNATIONAL SKILLED WORKERS
Technology and staffing providers have grown heavily reliant on the H-1B scheme to source candidates for technical positions. Amazon recorded more than 10,000 approved H-1B visas in the first half of 2025. Microsoft and Meta Platforms each surpassed 5,000 approvals, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services data. Industry representatives frequently state that international recruitment remains essential for technological progress and a competitive edge.
Government figures indicate that around two-thirds of H-1B-backed positions fall within computing. Yet, companies also hire engineers, educators, and healthcare professionals under this visa, highlighting its broader use across sectors beyond information technology.
Currently, H-1B filing fees start at $215 but may reach several thousand dollars depending on individual circumstances. The suggested $100,000 fee would constitute a sweeping increase, likely making the application financially out of reach for many employers and applicants who previously absorbed smaller costs.
INDIAN & CHINESE APPLICANTS LIKELY TO BE IMPACTED
According to official data, India accounted for 71% of all approved H-1B visa recipients, while China made up 11.7%. H-1B visas are typically granted for periods between three and six years.
Some opponents of the H-1B system, especially within the American tech workforce, maintain that companies employ visa recipients to dampen wage growth, bypassing US job seekers who meet job requirements. This ongoing disagreement continues to split views among parties involved in both the tech sector and the labour market.
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