Trump Administration May Impose $100K H-1B Visa Fee for Tech Hires

Forbes reports that the Trump administration is poised to implement a new fee of $100,000 for the H-1B visa program. This substantial increase would significantly raise costs for companies, particularly within the technology sector, that employ foreign specialty workers. The anticipated order, which could be signed imminently, aligns with a broader trend of increasing immigration-related fees by President Donald Trump's administration. The H-1B visa is designed for foreign nationals in specialty occupations, prevalent in the technology industry, enabling companies to sponsor skilled individuals for critical roles. The proposed $100,000 fee signifies a dramatic escalation compared to the H-1B program's current cost structure. Existing fees include a $215 registration fee for the H-1B lottery and an additional $780 for employers to file an I-29 petition for selected applicants. The introduction of a six-figure fee would fundamentally reshape the financial considerations for companies that rely on the visa program to acquire specialized talent. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected.