U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, 2025, introducing a $100,000 supplemental fee for new H-1B visa petitions for foreign workers located outside the United States. This new fee, effective September 21, 2025, requires payment before a visa application or USCIS petition can be approved. The directive has prompted major technology firms, including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet, to advise their H-1B employees to remain within the U.S. or return promptly if abroad, to preempt potential re-entry complications.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the $100,000 fee is a one-time charge per petition and will not affect current visa holders' travel capabilities. The policy is slated to remain in effect for 12 months, with the possibility of an extension. The Department of Labor is also expected to review prevailing wage levels, which could lead to increased employer costs.
The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allows U.S. employers to hire highly educated foreign professionals for specialized occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Historically, the program has been a vital source of talent for the U.S. technology sector, with H-1B workers often filling critical roles in STEM fields. In 2021, the median wage for an H-1B worker was $108,000. Research indicates that H-1B workers complement the U.S. workforce by filling employment gaps and expanding job opportunities.
Critics, however, argue that this new fee structure could disrupt operations for companies reliant on skilled foreign workers and may have broader negative implications for the U.S. economy, potentially deterring international talent and leading to labor shortages. Concerns have also been raised about the policy's legal standing, as new visa fees typically require legislative action or a formal rulemaking process. The implications for startups and smaller tech companies, which may find the increased costs prohibitive, are also a significant point of concern.
The move is seen by some as an effort to prioritize American workers, with the White House citing concerns about American job displacement and unemployment among certain U.S. graduates. This policy shift underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the role of foreign talent in the U.S. economy and the balance between attracting global expertise and protecting domestic employment opportunities. The long-term impact on innovation, economic competitiveness, and the U.S. as a destination for top global talent remains to be seen.