The Trump administration announced a new $100,000 yearly Trump H-1B visa fee for companies that sponsor H-1B work visas. This policy could affect many tech companies that rely on skilled workers from countries like India and China.
Since January, Trump’s administration has focused on reducing immigration. This new fee is the biggest change yet to the H-1B visa program, which is used for temporary work in speciality jobs. The Trump H-1B visa fee could significantly impact these industries.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “If you’re going to train someone, train an American graduate from one of our top universities. Stop bringing people in to take jobs from Americans.”
The tech industry has protested these plans. Many tech firms donated to Trump’s campaign, but the Trump H-1B visa fee crackdown has caused tension. Critics argue that the program enables companies to maintain low wages and restricts opportunities for American workers. Supporters, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, argue it brings in important skilled workers. Musk, a US citizen born in South Africa, once held an H-1B visa himself.
Read: Trump Administration Proposes Stricter Visa Rules for Students and Media in 2025
The executive order signed by Trump says that some companies abuse the program to pay lower wages. The number of foreign workers in STEM jobs has doubled since 2000, while total STEM jobs grew more slowly.
🚨 BREAKING: By stroke of pen, President Trump raises the H-1B Visa fee from $1,000 to *$100,000,* and directs the Secretary of Labor to revise the wage rules to make it much harder for companies to hire foreigners in replacement of American workers.
Massive win. pic.twitter.com/Gl9uybH3tw
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 19, 2025Deedy Das of Menlo Ventures said the new Trump H-1B visa fee could stop the US from attracting top global talent. This would hurt innovation and economic growth. Smaller tech firms and startups may be hardest hit by the rising costs.
Details about how the fee will be collected are still being discussed. Lutnick said the fee will apply for each of the three years the visa lasts. Some experts warn that companies may move jobs overseas, risking America’s lead in high-tech fields like artificial intelligence. Jeremy Goldman from eMarketer said, “Washington may gain money now but risk losing its edge in innovation.”
India received the most H-1B visas, about 71% last year, with China second at 11.7%. Big US tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have thousands of approved visas. Lutnick said major companies support the $100,000 fee. However, many firms and foreign consulates declined to comment.
