Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Fee: What It Means for Tech, Finance, and Skilled Workers
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has announced a dramatic change to the H-1B visa program, raising the fee for employers to $100,000 per application, a steep increase from the previous $2,000–$5,000 range.
The new policy, effective immediately, requires companies to provide payment proof before filing an H-1B petition. Petitions will remain restricted for 12 months until the fee is fully documented, according to the White House.
Who Will Be Impacted?
The $100,000 charge applies only to new H-1B applicants, not renewals or existing visa holders. It will take effect in the upcoming lottery cycle. Those already holding valid H-1B visas and living abroad will not need to pay the fee to reenter the U.S., clarified White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt also confirmed the new fee is a one-time payment, not annual, correcting earlier speculation. However, exceptions may be granted if the Department of Homeland Security determines a worker’s role is essential to U.S. national interests and poses no security risks.
Additionally, workers holding B visas with start dates before October 2026 will receive new guidelines to ensure those visas aren’t used as loopholes for bypassing the H-1B system.
Why Are H-1B Workers Needed?
The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in fields where qualified American talent is limited. Most roles are in STEM sectors (science, technology, engineering, and math), which typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.
The tech and finance industries rely heavily on H-1B employees, with the majority coming from India (71%) and China (11.7%), based on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data.
H-1B Visa Caps and Usage
Each year, the program is capped at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for advanced degree holders from U.S. institutions. When applications exceed the cap, a lottery system determines approvals.
According to Pew Research, since 2012, more than 60% of H-1B visas have gone to computer-related occupations.
Who Sponsors the Most H-1B Workers?
In fiscal year 2025, Amazon led with over 10,000 H-1B petitions, followed by Microsoft, Meta, and Tata Consultancy Services, each sponsoring more than 5,000. Apple and Google also ranked among the top sponsors, with over 4,000 approvals each, according to USCIS data.
