Washington, D.C., September 19, 2025 – The White House has unveiled a proposal to introduce a $100,000 application fee for H-1B worker visas, a dramatic policy shift that could reshape the flow of skilled foreign labor into the United States.
The H-1B program, widely used by technology firms to hire highly skilled professionals, particularly from India and China, has long been a critical pipeline for talent in Silicon Valley and across the broader tech industry. Analysts warn that the proposed fee could limit access to international expertise and increase hiring costs for American companies already grappling with global competition for talent.
While the announcement has drawn immediate attention from industry leaders, immigration advocates, and foreign governments, the administration has yet to release details on the timeline or the mechanics of the new fee structure. Key questions remain over whether the policy would apply to new applications only or also to renewals, as well as how small and mid-sized firms might absorb the financial burden.
Critics argue that the measure could deter skilled professionals from applying, potentially driving them to other technology hubs such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or Singapore, all of which have been actively courting global talent. Supporters of the plan, however, contend that it will reduce the number of applications and ensure that only companies with serious hiring needs seek visas.
The H-1B visa has historically allowed U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialized fields such as information technology, engineering, and research. Each year, the U.S. government caps the number of visas issued at 85,000, with demand consistently far exceeding supply.
Industry observers note that the proposed fee represents an unprecedented escalation in costs. For comparison, current H-1B filing fees, including standard processing and additional surcharges, typically range from $1,500 to $6,000 per application depending on company size.
The proposal is expected to face intense debate from both the private sector and lawmakers before any implementation can move forward.
