US President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation imposing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, a development that could significantly affect both foreign professionals and the companies that rely heavily on them.
The announcement has generated widespread discussion within the technology and business communities. Large corporations, which account for a substantial portion of visa approvals, are particularly concerned about how such a steep fee might affect their ability to hire and retain skilled talent. These firms collectively secure tens of thousands of H-1B approvals, reflecting their reliance on international workers in critical areas of their operations.
The new policy also raises broader questions about competitiveness and access to global talent. Leading H-1B sponsors argue that their recruitment practices are crucial to meeting demands in rapidly growing sectors, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
According to the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub, the following are the top 20 employers with the highest number of approved H-1B beneficiaries from Fiscal Year 2009 through FY2025 Q3:
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The administration confirmed via X that current H-1B holders and those renewing their visas will not be subject to the new fee. Applicants selected in this year’s H-1B lottery, whose visas take effect on October 1, are also exempt.
While existing visa holders are protected from immediate disruption, the focus now shifts to future applicants and their sponsoring companies. For organizations submitting thousands of applications annually, the $100,000 fee represents a major financial change.
In the coming months, it will become clear whether large employers can absorb the additional cost or if the policy will prompt them to revise their hiring strategies, potentially reshaping the global competition for skilled workers.
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