Walmart Pauses H-1B Visa Hiring Amid New $100,000 Application Fee

Walmart Inc., the largest private employer in the United States, has temporarily suspended job offers to candidates requiring H-1B visa sponsorship. This decision follows the Trump administration's recent implementation of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, effective from late September 2025. The policy primarily impacts Walmart's corporate positions, including roles in technology, data, and finance, while store-level and domestic operations remain unaffected.

A Walmart spokesperson stated, "Walmart is committed to hiring and investing in the best talent to serve our customers, while remaining thoughtful about our H-1B hiring approach."

Government data indicates that Walmart employs approximately 2,390 H-1B visa holders, making it the largest user of such visas among major retail chains. However, this number represents a small fraction of its 1.6 million-strong U.S. workforce.

The Trump administration's fee aims to reform the H-1B visa program and reduce its perceived overuse. Critics argue that the substantial fee could deter companies from hiring foreign talent, potentially impacting innovation and competitiveness.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the administration, contending that the fee unlawfully overrides provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act governing the H-1B program.

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring specific expertise and at least a bachelor's degree. By law, companies must certify that wages for H-1B employees are comparable to those of similar U.S. workers.

Walmart's decision reflects a broader trend among U.S. companies reassessing their hiring strategies in response to the new fee, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on skilled foreign workers.