H-1B visa fee: Five things to know about Trump’s immigration decision

By Sandra Simon

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a hefty $100,000 fee per year for applicants to the H-1B visa programme for skilled foreign workers.

Trump’s order mentions “abuse” of the programme and will restrict entry unless payment is made. This is due to come into force on 21 September 2025. It would only apply to new requests.

The US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick originally stated that companies would have to pay the fee annually for six years.

The new law has elicited several reactions from the public, both positive and negative.

Here are five key things to know about this latest decision on H-1B visa fees:

1. The law does not apply to those with a current visa

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson clarified to CBS News, the BBC’s news partner in the US, that the fee “does not apply to anyone who has a current visa,” and “only applies to future applicants in the February [2026] lottery who are currently outside the US.

“It does not apply to anyone who participated in the 2025 lottery”.

2. It was conceived to promote national security

The administration claims that the H-1B program is being abused by many companies, which has affected the U.S workers negatively in ways like wage suppression, displacement of U.S workers and national security risks, especially in firms that specialise in the technology field.

3. The law is meant to halt dependence on foreign labour, especially in tech

The White House has noted that over 65%of the technology industry depends solely on foreign labour, which has led to unemployment concerns for their citizens.

4. Wage revision

To direct the labour secretary to revise wage requirements to prevent undercutting American salaries, aiming to prioritise high-skilled as well as high-paid H-1B workers.

This can help favour applicants with better compensation.

5. Debates, worries, and those affected

Debates and worries from various companies arise as they fear talent fleeing to more welcoming countries.

The new law will affect industries significantly as they might begin to experience a loss of great potential.

Companies like Google, Amazon and some others have reportedly advised H-1B visa holders to avoid foreign travel for the time being.