Trump Proposes $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visa Applications

US President Donald Trump is set to introduce a new application fee of $100,000 for H-1B worker visas as part of a more extensive immigration policy overhaul. This information was reported on September 19, 2023, by Bloomberg News, citing a White House official familiar with the developments. The proposal, pending the president’s signature, aims to restrict entry under the H-1B programme unless this substantial fee is paid.

In addition to the fee, Trump is expected to order changes to the prevailing wage levels for H-1B visas, further limiting their availability and use. This move could significantly impact the technology sector, which relies heavily on these visas to fill specialized roles.

Implications for the Technology Sector

The H-1B programme is crucial for technology and staffing companies to recruit highly skilled workers in fields such as software engineering and IT project management. For instance, in 2025, Amazon secured over 10,000 H-1B visa approvals, while Microsoft and Meta Platforms each obtained more than 5,000 approvals, according to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Following the announcement of the proposed fee, shares of Cognizant Technology Solutions, a company heavily dependent on H-1B workers, fell by more than 5 percent, reflecting investor concerns about the potential financial burden this fee could impose.

Controversy Surrounding H-1B Visas

The H-1B visa programme has long been a subject of debate. Critics, including many US technology workers, argue that companies often use these visas to suppress wages and overlook qualified American applicants. Statistics from government data reveal that India remains the largest beneficiary of the programme, accounting for 71 percent of H-1B visa approvals last year, with China following at 11.7 percent.

These visas, valid for three to six years, are specifically designed for individuals in specialty occupations, which typically require advanced knowledge and skills. As the Trump administration continues to push for stricter immigration policies, the future of the H-1B programme remains uncertain, with significant implications for both US employers and international workers.