New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Causes Corporate Confusion

A sudden $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has thrown tech giants and foreign governments into a scramble to safeguard their workforces amid a major upheaval in the U.S. skilled immigration system. The announcement, made Friday by President Trump, immediately alarmed companies like Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Microsoft, which heavily depend on the H-1B program to hire foreign talent.

Internal memos from these firms urged current H-1B visa holders to stay in the U.S. and warned those abroad to return before the policy takes effect at midnight Sunday, citing possible risks to their immigration status.

The proclamation’s vague language caused widespread confusion, with unclear details about whether the fee applies only to new applicants or also affects existing visa holders. The White House later clarified on social media that the fee does not impact current visa holders or those who participated in the 2025 visa lottery. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the $100,000 charge is a one-time fee, although Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick previously described it as an annual cost.

Foreign governments are carefully reviewing the implications. India expressed concern that the fee could have humanitarian impacts and disrupt families, while South Korea’s foreign ministry is evaluating its effects on businesses and workers.

Immigration experts and corporate leaders told the Washington Post that the unclear wording is fueling uncertainty, though White House officials defended the policy’s language.

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