Washington, D.C. | September 20, 2025
President Donald Trump has introduced a sweeping change to the United States’ H-1B visa program, imposing a $100,000 annual application fee on employers seeking to hire foreign skilled workers.
The proclamation, signed at the White House on Friday, is part of a broader immigration overhaul aimed at tightening access to U.S. work visas while expanding new visa categories for wealthy individuals, including the proposed “Gold Card” and “Platinum Card” programs.
The H-1B program has long served as a key pathway for highly skilled foreign nationals in sectors such as technology, engineering, education, and healthcare.
Analysts warn that the steep fee could deter smaller firms and research institutions from hiring foreign talent, with a potentially significant impact on industries that rely heavily on skilled immigrants.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the policy was designed to encourage employers to prioritize American workers.
However, immigration experts note the measure is likely to face legal and regulatory challenges in the coming weeks.
The change takes immediate effect, although its long-term implementation and legal standing remain uncertain.
