Trump Administration Imposes Massive Fee on H-1B Visas

The Department of Homeland Security has announced a new fee of $103,265 for H-1B visas, as first reported by The Verge. This move follows a previous attempt by the Trump administration to raise costs to $100,000, which a federal judge struck down in June after more than 70 employers had already paid the fee.

While H-1B visas are heavily utilized by Big Tech—specifically Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, who are the three largest employers of these workers—the financial burden extends beyond the largest firms. Todd Schulte, president of the immigration reform organization FWD.us, stated that these changes are intended to eliminate the H-1B and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, warning that the resulting consequences will lead to companies being started and people being hired outside of the United States.

Further complicating the talent pipeline, The Verge reports that the DHS has hinted a $100,000 fee may soon be applied to the OPT program, which allows international students to work in their field of study for 12 months, with extensions of up to 24 months for some STEM students and holders of certain graduate degrees.

In a separate move reported by The Associated Press, the State Department plans to revoke up to 200,000 business and travel visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for individuals who applied for asylum after arriving in the U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott told the AP the administration is targeting those who entered as short-term visitors but filed for asylum to remain permanently.