President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation that imposes a steep new $100,000 annual fee for companies applying for H-1B visas. The move marks one of the most significant changes in the history of the skilled worker visa program.
Until now, employers paid a few hundred dollars to enter the H-1B lottery along with other standard processing fees. With the new rule, every employer petitioning for an H-1B worker must pay $100,000 for each application. Petitions without proof of payment risk denial.
The proclamation takes effect immediately and is framed as an effort to ensure the program is reserved for only the most highly skilled and valuable workers. The administration argues the high fee will discourage misuse of the program and encourage companies to hire American workers first.
Critics, however, warn that the drastic increase could hurt startups, smaller firms, and industries that rely heavily on international talent. Many immigration experts are also questioning whether such a dramatic fee hike can be legally imposed through executive proclamation rather than congressional approval.
The H-1B visa program has long been central to the U.S. technology sector, attracting tens of thousands of engineers, developers, and other skilled professionals, particularly from India. The new fee is expected to sharply reduce applications and could reshape hiring practices across the industry.
I can create a news-style illustration showing:
- Donald Trump at a desk signing documents
- A symbolic “H-1B Visa” paper or stamp
- A bold “$100,000 Fee” element in the design
- Clean background styled like a news graphic
Do you want me to generate it in a realistic photo style or a digital news illustration style (like a thumbnail for articles)?