New U.S. Policy Sets $100k Price Tag for Skilled-Worker Visas

The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping change to U.S. immigration policy by mandating a $100,000 fee for employers sponsoring new H-1B skilled-worker visa applicants. The policy, announced through a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, takes effect immediately for new applications.

According to the White House, the move aims to protect American workers, prevent abuses of the H-1B system, and reinforce prevailing wage requirements. Employers are now required to include the fee with their petitions for H-1B visas, unless a national interest exemption is granted.

Existing H-1B visa holders and those renewing before the proclamation are exempt from the new fee. The policy applies specifically to new applicants outside the United States, meaning current beneficiaries will not be immediately affected.

The change has sparked concern across industries that rely heavily on H-1B visas—particularly the tech sector—and among foreign governments whose citizens make up a large proportion of visa applicants. The Indian industry body Nasscom, for example, warned that the fee threatens operations that depend on cross-border staffing.

Critics argue that the fee could price out smaller companies, stifle innovation, and reduce competitiveness in global tech. Proponents say it will help ensure that visa holders are compensated fairly and that U.S. employers prioritise domestic talent where possible.