President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order requiring U.S. companies to pay $100,000 per year for every H-1B visa they sponsor, making it one of the costliest reforms in the program’s history. The fee applies to both new applications and renewals.
According to the administration, the move is intended to encourage firms to reduce dependency on foreign talent and instead invest in training American workers to fill skill gaps. Senior officials have stated that major companies have already been briefed and are prepared to adapt to the new rules.
Critics argue that the sharp increase could severely affect industries that heavily rely on international professionals, including technology, healthcare, and engineering. They warn that companies may face talent shortages or be forced to move parts of their operations overseas.
Supporters of the policy believe it will safeguard U.S. jobs and ensure that only the most highly skilled or rare talent will qualify for the H-1B program.
The visa fee hike is part of a broader immigration overhaul being advanced by the Trump administration. Other measures include introducing new residency options for wealthy investors through programs such as the “Gold Card” and “Platinum Card.”
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Legal experts, however, are questioning whether such a dramatic fee increase can be justified, since immigration fees are traditionally meant to cover processing costs, not act as a barrier to entry.
