Trump Administration Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications, significantly increasing costs for companies employing foreign skilled workers.

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology and engineering. The new fee represents a substantial increase from the previous application costs, which ranged from approximately $1,700 to $4,500.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the change is expected to reduce the number of H-1B visas issued, stating, "It's just not economic anymore."

Major technology companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, have historically been significant beneficiaries of the H-1B program. The new fee is anticipated to have a considerable impact on these firms, which rely on the program to fill high-skilled positions.

In addition to the H-1B fee increase, the administration introduced a "gold card" visa, offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for individuals who can invest $1 million. A "platinum card" visa, requiring a $5 million investment, is also planned but awaits congressional approval.

The new policies are likely to face legal challenges, as critics argue that such significant fee increases and new visa categories may require congressional approval. Analysts suggest that these measures could deter skilled immigrants and impact the U.S. economy's competitiveness.