Washington: The U.S. government has significantly increased the fees for H-1B work visas, creating a substantial obstacle for foreign professionals seeking employment in America. The fee hike, approved by President Donald Trump, raises the cost to an unprecedented $100,000 per visa.
According to an official statement, the move is part of a broader policy aimed at restricting immigration and protecting job opportunities for American citizens. Officials have indicated that some companies could face even higher financial burdens to encourage them to prioritize hiring local talent over foreign experts.
The new fee structure will most impact technology companies that heavily rely on engineers and IT specialists from India, China, and other Asian countries.
Previously, the H-1B visa fees ranged from a few hundred dollars to several thousand at various processing stages. However, this latest measure will place immense pressure on both companies and foreign applicants.
Experts warn that this decision could not only limit skilled workers’ opportunities to come to the U.S. but also cause long-term damage to the American tech sector.
