What Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee means for skilled workers
India accounts for most H-1B approvals, followed by China
DUBAI – US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring companies to pay $100,000 annually for each H-1B skilled worker visa, marking one of the most sweeping changes to America’s high-skilled immigration system.
The move comes into effect on Sunday, adding a significant financial barrier for firms that rely heavily on foreign workers, particularly from India, which accounted for 71 per cent of approvals last year.
Tech companies including Microsoft, JPMorgan and Amazon have already issued internal advisories urging H-1B holders not to travel abroad until further guidance is available, highlighting the immediate impact of the new fee on employees who frequently move between countries.
For travellers on H-1B visas, the sudden policy shift raises urgent questions about mobility, employment security and financial viability.
What is the H-1B visa?
The H-1B programme, introduced in 1990, allows US companies to hire foreign workers with specialised skills – typically in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Each year, 65,000 visas are issued, with an additional 20,000 reserved for advanced degree holders. The visas are usually valid for three years, extendable to six.
Until now, employers paid administrative charges amounting to a few thousand dollars. Trump’s order now requires $100,000 per year for each visa, meaning a single worker could cost $300,000 for the initial term. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new fee structure is designed to encourage firms to “train Americans” rather than rely on foreign hires.
Indians hit the most
India is the largest source of H-1B holders, with more than seven out of ten visas issued to Indian nationals. China follows at 11.7 per cent. Amazon alone secured over 12,000 approvals in the first half of 2025, while Microsoft and Meta each had over 5,000.
For skilled Indian professionals – especially in IT, consulting and engineering – the order could complicate career planning and mobility. With firms now weighing whether employees are “valuable enough” for the $100,000 annual fee, opportunities for new applicants may shrink sharply.
Some Indian technology firms, including Infosys and Wipro, saw their US-listed shares fall by up to 5 percent after the announcement, signalling the immediate financial repercussions.
How is the tech industry responding?
Large tech firms may be able to absorb the costs, but smaller start-ups and mid-sized companies could struggle. Analysts warn that the measure could push certain high-value projects overseas, weakening the US’s position in fields like artificial intelligence.
For H-1B holders already in the US, it is advised to remain in the country until official travel guidance is issued. Those currently abroad have been urged to return before the deadline, or risk being barred from re-entry until further clarity emerges.
Trump’s Gold and Platinum cards
Meanwhile, Trump has also unveiled a new “gold card” visa priced at $1 million, offering permanent residency to wealthy foreigners, alongside a “platinum card” requiring $5 million.
The Gold Card is here. pic.twitter.com/tSMsmcuViS
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 19, 2025
Immigration lawyers say these schemes underline the administration’s strategy of privileging wealth while tightening avenues for skilled migrants.