Trump Signs Proclamation Creating $100,000 Application Fee for H-1B Visas
In a move aimed at reforming the H-1B visa program, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, 2025, requiring companies to pay a $100,000 application fee for each worker seeking an H-1B visa. The new policy also introduces a separate gold card visa with a $1 million expedited processing fee.
Speaking from the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., Trump emphasized that the change is designed to ensure companies sponsor only workers with the most specialized skills. "We need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that's what's gonna happen," he said.
Administration officials explained that the new policy aims to address concerns about the H-1B program's impact on American workers. The program was created in 1990 to allow U.S. companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills when no qualified Americans were available for the job.
The $100,000 application fee is a significant increase from the current fee of around $1,500 per worker. This change will likely have far-reaching implications for the H-1B system, which has been criticized in recent years for its perceived favoritism towards large corporations and tech giants.
Critics argue that the new policy will disproportionately affect small and medium-sized businesses, as well as startups, which often rely on H-1B workers to fill specialized positions. "This is a devastating blow to many companies that depend on the H-1B program," said Rohit Gupta, CEO of a Silicon Valley-based startup. "It's going to make it extremely difficult for us to hire the talent we need."
The gold card visa, which comes with a $1 million expedited processing fee, is intended for high-skilled workers who can demonstrate exceptional abilities in their field. The new policy also includes provisions for increased scrutiny of H-1B applications and stricter requirements for companies seeking to sponsor foreign workers.
As the new policy takes effect, many are left wondering about its long-term implications. "This is a major overhaul of the H-1B program," said immigration attorney Mark Krikorian. "It's unclear how it will play out in practice, but one thing is certain: it will have a significant impact on the tech industry and beyond."
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will begin accepting applications under the new policy starting October 1, 2025. As companies and individuals navigate the changes, many are bracing themselves for a potentially tumultuous period ahead.
Background:
The H-1B visa program was created in 1990 to allow U.S. companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills when no qualified Americans were available for the job. The program has been criticized in recent years for its perceived favoritism towards large corporations and tech giants, as well as concerns about its impact on American workers.
Additional Perspectives:
"This is a major victory for American workers," said Trump during his Oval Office address. "We're putting America first, and that means we're going to prioritize our own citizens when it comes to jobs."
"The new policy will have far-reaching implications for the tech industry," said Gupta. "It's unclear how companies will adapt, but one thing is certain: it will be a challenge."
Current Status and Next Developments:
As of September 19, 2025, the new policy has taken effect, with USCIS beginning to accept applications under the new rules starting October 1, 2025. As companies and individuals navigate the changes, many are bracing themselves for a potentially tumultuous period ahead.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
