President Donald Trump has announced an increase in the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per year. Microsoft and JPMorgan have asked employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the United States before the new rules take effect on September 21. The Departments of State and Homeland Security will reject petitions that do not meet the new fee, affecting companies in technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering that rely on skilled foreign professionals.
Impact of the H-1B Visa Fee Hike
From September 21, H-1B visa holders will be barred from entering the United States unless their employers pay the $100,000 fee. The increase particularly affects skilled workers from India and China and may slow global mobility and innovation. Microsoft, JPMorgan, and other companies are advising employees to return promptly to comply with the H-1B visa fee hike and avoid disruption.