Trump Slaps $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visa Applications Amid Tightened Immigration Policy

Breaking News: Trump Announces $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visa Applications US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday, September 20, 2025, attaching a new annual $100,000 fee to H-1B visa applications. This move is part of the administration's efforts to tighten immigration policy. Timeline and Details The new fee will be applied to all H-1B visa applicants, with no exceptions. The current fee for entering the lottery is $460, while the processing fee is around $500. With the new proclamation, applicants will have to pay an additional $100,000 on top of these fees. Immediate Impact and Response The tech industry is likely to be severely impacted by this move, with many companies relying heavily on H-1B visa holders for skilled labor. Indian and Chinese workers, who are among the biggest beneficiaries of the program, will be disproportionately affected. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the new fee is aimed at "reducing the number of low-skilled immigrants entering the US." Background Context The H-1B visa program allows highly skilled workers to lawfully work in the US for a limited period of three years. The program has been criticized for being exploited by companies, but it also provides a vital source of skilled labor for the tech industry. What Happens Next As the new fee comes into effect, many H-1B visa applicants will be forced to reconsider their plans to work in the US. Tech companies may need to adjust their hiring strategies or face significant costs associated with applying for visas. The long-term implications of this move are still unclear, but it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry and beyond. Technical Explanation The H-1B visa program uses a lottery system to select applicants, who then pay an additional fee to process their applications. The new $100,000 fee will be applied to all applicants, regardless of their country of origin or skill level. This move is likely to reduce the number of low-skilled immigrants entering the US, but it may also limit the ability of tech companies to attract skilled workers from abroad. Sources The proclamation was signed by President Trump on Friday, September 20, 2025, and will come into effect immediately. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the new fee is aimed at reducing the number of low-skilled immigrants entering the US. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*