U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, a move that could dramatically reshape the nation’s skilled immigration system and deal a heavy blow to the tech sector.
According to The New York Times, the fee will apply for each year that a foreign worker remains on an H-1B visa—up to six years. The Department of Homeland Security will restrict approval of applications unless the payment is included, though exemptions may be granted in cases deemed “in the national interest.” A White House official said the fee would only apply to new applicants, setting the stage for expected legal challenges.
Impact on Tech Industry
The H-1B program is widely used by major technology companies to recruit global talent. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data shows Amazon employs over 10,000 H-1B workers, while Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google each sponsor between 4,000 and 5,500 visa holders. Walmart, Intel, IBM, and NVIDIA also rely heavily on the program.
Industry observers say the annual fee could raise costs by hundreds of millions of dollars for these firms. The change comes despite the fact that several high-profile innovators—including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger—first entered the U.S. through H-1B visas.
The administration argues the overhaul is necessary to protect American workers. The White House claimed that some IT firms have “artificially suppressed wages” by exploiting the visa program, undercutting domestic employment opportunities in computer-related fields.
Introduction of “Gold Card” Visa
Alongside the H-1B measure, Trump unveiled a new “Gold Card” visa, pitched as a fast-track program for wealthy entrepreneurs and investors. Applicants must make a substantial “gift” to the U.S. Department of Commerce: $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporations donating on their behalf.
The administration said the Gold Card will prioritize the admission of “aliens who will affirmatively benefit the Nation, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen and women.”
Critics say the dual policies highlight a sharp shift in U.S. immigration strategy: closing the door to skilled workers unless employers can afford steep fees, while opening a new pathway for the wealthy.
The H-1B order is expected to spark immediate challenges from business groups and immigration advocates, who argue it could cripple innovation and competitiveness in the world’s largest tech economy.
