US eyes $100,000 fee for skilled worker visas, risking tech fallout
The Trump administration is proposing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa workers hired within the United States. This adds a substantial new cost for businesses relying on this visa category to employ skilled foreign professionals.
The US Department of Homeland Security’s proposal follows a recent court decision that overturned a similar $100,000 charge previously implemented by the administration for H-1B visa holders hired from outside the country. The prior fee, enacted via a White House proclamation, caused significant disruptions in corporate hiring plans. However, it did not apply to students and other individuals who were approved for H-1B status while already residing in the US
The proposed $103,265 fee would apply to all petitions for H-1B workers subject to the annual statutory cap, including those holding master’s degrees. According to reports, the administration intends for this fee to act as a dedicated revenue stream to help offset the federal government’s costs of managing the legal immigration system.
International workers face disruption
The H-1B visa program is heavily utilized by the technology sector, which relies on it to source specialized talent, particularly from countries like India and China. Indian nationals, for instance, accounted for roughly 70% of approved H-1B petitions in the 2024-2025 period. Consequently, this new financial burden is likely to disproportionately affect Indian professionals seeking employment in the U.S.
This proposed fee increase arrives amidst a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policies. The DHS is reportedly also considering a plan to introduce a $100,000 charge for participation in Optional Practical Training, a post-graduate employment program utilized by foreign students on F-1 visas.
Policy shifts add to uncertainty
The proposed changes to the H-1B program coincide with other significant shifts in immigration procedures. As of early August, immigration officers possess the authority to deny applications, including Green Card petitions, without first issuing a Request for Evidence or a Notice of Intent to Deny. This change demands precision in initial filings, as missing documentation can result in immediate rejection.
Furthermore, the DHS has proposed eliminating the current 60-day grace period granted to high-skilled workers to find a new employer or change their status following a layoff. While this proposal is still under review and not yet enacted law, its implementation would compel laid-off workers to immediately secure new sponsorship or face prompt departure from the country.
Since early 2025, the administration has steadily introduced more rigorous screening and enforcement measures across various facets of the immigration system. The combination of these policy changes creates a more challenging landscape for foreign workers seeking to build careers in the United States.
