Tech Firms Advise H-1B Visa Holders to Remain in U.S. Amid New $100,000 Fee

Major technology companies are advising employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the United States following President Donald Trump's recent executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on these visas. The order, signed on September 19, 2025, takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on September 21 and applies to both new applications and renewals.

Amazon's internal guidance, issued shortly after the order's signing, advised H-1B employees in the U.S. to stay in the country and those abroad to return before the deadline if possible. The company employed nearly 15,000 H-1B workers in fiscal year 2024.

Similarly, Microsoft, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase have instructed their H-1B employees to avoid international travel and, if currently abroad, to return to the U.S. before the deadline. These companies are among the top sponsors of H-1B visas, which are crucial for filling specialized technical roles.

The executive order aims to ensure that companies hire foreign workers deemed "very valuable" and to encourage the hiring of American workers. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated, "If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land."

The H-1B program has been a point of contention, with critics arguing it allows companies to suppress wages and displace American workers, while supporters contend it brings in essential talent. The new fee is expected to significantly impact the tech industry, which relies heavily on foreign-born engineers and developers.