Washington D.C., September 23, 2025
News Summary
President Trump has signed a proclamation mandating a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications aimed at new applicants, significantly impacting startups and small firms seeking skilled foreign labor. Existing visa holders will not be affected. This policy raises concerns about limiting innovation in the tech sector, as smaller companies may struggle to bear the cost, potentially driving talent to other countries with more lenient immigration policies.
Washington D.C. – President Trump has signed a proclamation instituting a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications aimed at new applicants. This fee is expected to impact the ability of startups and smaller companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers in the United States.
The fee applies only to initial applications for the H-1B visa and will not affect individuals who are already holding this visa. Those on H-1B visas can continue their employment in the U.S. without the burden of this new fee. Immigration attorney Heather Hadi confirmed that existing visa holders will not experience any changes due to this new fee policy.
The H-1B visa program is designed to bring skilled foreign workers into the U.S. to fill specialized positions, particularly in fields where American expertise is lacking. These positions typically require at least a Bachelor’s degree, making the program integral to sectors such as technology, research, and engineering.
The imposition of the additional $100,000 fee is expected to have a considerable effect on the tech industry. Many critics are concerned about the financial strain this fee may impose on smaller startups that rely on the H-1B program to attract international talent. Questions have been raised regarding whether these companies can afford the new cost, which has the potential to stifle innovation and limit access to skilled workers.
As global events unfold, including ongoing conflict in Ukraine, individuals like Tetiana Soloshchuk from Nicholasville are actively assisting Ukrainians in their quest to obtain U.S. visas. Soloshchuk noted that her cousin successfully secured an H-1B visa before the new fee was enacted, highlighting the urgency and competitiveness within the application process at this time.
Furthermore, visa applicants who cannot pay the $100,000 fee will be prevented from entering the U.S. until September 21 of the following year. This stipulation raises significant concerns, particularly for recent graduates and professionals who may be seeking opportunities in the United States.
The introduction of such a steep fee could drive foreign talent to look for opportunities in other countries where immigration policies may be more lenient or supportive of new talent entering the workforce. Officials from various industries are urging the administration to reconsider this fee, emphasizing its potential to disrupt the workforce and economic growth in key sectors.
As the implementation date approaches, many will be watching closely to see how the technology sector and startups respond to this substantial change in the H-1B application process and what, if any, adjustments could be made by the administration.
FAQ
What is the new H-1B visa fee?
The fee for new H-1B visa applications will be set at $100,000, applicable only to initial applicants.
Will existing H-1B visa holders be affected by the new fee?
No, the new fee will not affect individuals who already hold H-1B visas.
How does this fee impact startups and smaller companies?
Smaller startups may struggle to afford the additional fee, which could impact their ability to hire qualified international candidates.
What is the deadline for applicants who cannot pay the new fee?
Applicants unable to pay will be restricted from entering the U.S. until September 21 of the following year.
What is the purpose of the H-1B visa program?
The H-1B visa program aims to bring highly skilled foreign workers into the U.S. to fill specialized positions that require advanced degrees and expertise.
Key Features of H-1B Visa Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fee for New Applicants | $100,000 fee applicable only to new H-1B visa applicants. |
| Impact on Existing Visa Holders | No impact on current H-1B visa holders. |
| Target Audience | Highly skilled foreign workers in specialized positions requiring advanced degrees. |
| Deadline for Non-payers | Restricted from entering the U.S. until September 21 of the following year. |
| Industry Impact | Significant effects on tech startups and smaller companies seeking to hire international talent. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Trump Signs Proclamation Adding $100,000 Fee for Work Visa Applicants
- CBS News: St. Paul Mainstay The Lexington Celebrates 90 Years
- Hindustan Times: Lexington Airport Richmond Road Baptist Church Shooting Suspect Identified
- Wikipedia: H-1B Visa
- CBS News: What Happened During the Battle of Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Battle of Lexington
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