The
H1B visa is one of the most popular and in-demand American work visas. The visa provides American companies access to global talent and helps professionals across the world get a chance to work in the United States.
Now, in a major change made in the US immigration policy, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation requiring a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applications. The announcement for the same was made on September 19th, and has left many across the world in shock.
While the decision may be marketed as a move aimed at reshaping how companies hire foreign professionals and protecting US workers, it will cost a lot for people renewing and applying for the visa.
What does the new policy say?
Image credits: Getty Images
The H-1B visa is a US non-immigrant visa classification that allows companies in the US to employ foreign workers in "speciality occupations". These are jobs that need special theoretical or technical knowledge and typically demand a minimum of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a field.
Well, as per the Trump administration's new decision, it requires a $100,000 fee per year for H-1B visa holders, including those renewing and applying for the visa. The change is part of a broader immigration overhaul, which also introduces “Gold Card” and “Platinum Card” visa/investment-based pathways.
India has traditionally been the largest source of H-1B holders with about 70-75% of new visas going to Indians. This new fee will impose a huge financial barrier for people living or dreaming of being in the US.
Vir Das reacts to the new H-1B visa fee
Indian comedian Vir Das, won an International Emmy Award in 2023 for his Netflix special 'Landing'. The 46-year-old also hosted the 52nd International Emmy Awards in 2024.
The global star recently took to X to share his opinion on Trump's massive change in the H-1B visa writing, "You’d be pretty heartless to not empathise with H1b holders right now. Kids in school, mortgages, loans, sending money home…to live under the stress of having it all taken away on a whim. There’s no way to plan around or for something like this."
Many in the comments agreed with the artist's views writing, "Big giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Netflix won’t even blink at a $100,000 H1B visa fee; it is not a very high amount for them to sponsor. But for Indian IT firms, smaller U.S. startups, and most importantly, students chasing undergrad and postgrad dreams in America, this move could hit like a hammer."
"The stress faced by H1B holders is real and profound. The uncertainty impacts not just individuals but entire families, affecting financial stability and emotional well-being. A clear and compassionate policy approach is essential to address these challenges," wrote another.