US Imposes $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visa Applications in Latest Crackdown on Foreign Workers

 

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order (dated September 19, 2025) that adds a $100,000 annual fee to all H-1B visa application filings, including renewals. The move is part of the administration’s effort to tighten immigration policy and reduce reliance on foreign skilled labor. 

This massive hike upends the current fee structure, which is significantly lower; the administration says it aims to ensure that only those with high compensation or working for major companies will find it viable to sponsor or apply for H-1Bs. Smaller tech firms and start-ups are expected to be hit particularly hard. 

Industry leaders and immigration advocates are warning about potential ripple effects:

• Companies heavily dependent on H-1B workers (especially from India and China) may rethink hiring strategies or push projects elsewhere. 

• Some foreign workers currently outside the U.S. are being advised to return before the new fee takes effect. 

• Critics say the change could reduce U.S. competitiveness in technology, research, and innovation by making it harder to attract top international talent. 

Supporters argue this change is meant to protect domestic workers and curb perceived abuses in the system where companies sometimes use H-1Bs instead of hiring locally. 

It’s not yet clear how legal challenges might affect implementation, or how exactly the fee will impact smaller entities versus large corporations.