● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Pushes U.S. Tech Jobs Offshore
Key points
- U.S. government imposed a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications.
- The previous H-1B visa fee was approximately $5,000.
- Tech companies are hiring workers abroad due to new visa restrictions.
- Most companies avoided applying for visas with the new $100,000 tax.
Increased H-1B Visa Costs
In September 2025, the U.S. government introduced a $100,000 tax on applications for new H-1B visas. This represents a substantial increase from the prior fee of around $5,000. The H-1B visa program allows skilled workers to temporarily live and work in the U.S. and can lead to permanent residency.
Impact on Tech Companies
The new visa fee and other immigration barriers, such as tightened interview requirements and social media checks, are prompting U.S. tech companies to adjust their hiring strategies. Many companies are now establishing offices and recruiting talent outside the U.S. to bypass these new regulations.
Major tech firms, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart, previously advised visa-holding employees against international travel due to re-entry concerns. They also lobbied the federal government, which resulted in the $100,000 fee being narrowed to applications from outside the U.S.
Reduced H-1B Applications
A March court filing indicated that most companies that might have hired H-1B workers chose not to apply for visas subject to the $100,000 tax. This suggests a significant deterrent effect of the new fee on H-1B visa applications.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
The U.S. government implemented a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a significant increase from the previous $5,000. This policy change is causing U.S. tech companies to establish offices and hire workers abroad to circumvent the new immigration rules.