H-1B Visa Fee Hike Sparks Rush of Skilled Workers Back to the U.S.
The Trump administration’s latest H-1B visa rule has caused concern among foreign workers and U.S. companies. The new policy introduces a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a significant increase from previous fees. H-1B visas are crucial for U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, especially in technology, finance, and other specialized industries.
Following the announcement, many H-1B visa workers abroad rushed to return to the U.S. before the fee rule takes effect. For example, a software engineer at a major tech company had to choose between staying with his wife, traveling to Dubai, or returning to the U.S.
His wife, also an H-1B visa holder, returned to India to care for her sick mother. Similar situations were reported from workers in China, who canceled trips and quickly returned after receiving urgent messages from their employers.
Top tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Goldman Sachs sent memos urging employees to return to the U.S. promptly. Later, a White House official clarified that the new $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B visa applicants, not to those renewing existing visas, easing some panic.
Despite this clarification, the policy has created uncertainty for the U.S. tech industry and outsourcing companies in India, which rely heavily on H-1B visa workers. Indian software stocks saw slight declines, and companies may need to adjust outsourcing strategies dependent on foreign talent.
Impact:
The new H-1B visa fee could increase costs for U.S. companies and slow hiring of skilled foreign workers. This might affect growth in the tech industry and lead to changes in outsourcing plans.
