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PortuguêsUS increases H-1B visa fees from $1,500 to $100,000 annually, affecting tech companies and foreign workers. Indian nationals represent 70% of visa holders.
Dramatic Increase in US Visa Costs for Skilled Foreign Workers
The United States has announced a massive increase in fees for H-1B visas, raising the annual cost from approximately $1,500 to $100,000 per visa. This represents a 6,500% increase that will significantly impact technology companies and other industries that rely on foreign talent.
Policy Shift Aims to Protect American Jobs
Commerce Secretary Lutnick explained the rationale behind the decision: "Stop bringing people here who take our jobs. If you want to train someone, hire someone who just graduated from one of our beautiful universities in this country." The move aligns with the administration's "America First" employment policies.
Impact on Technology Sector
The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, allows US companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills, particularly in technology, engineering, and healthcare. Major tech companies like Amazon (approximately 12,000 visas), Microsoft, and Meta (each around 5,000 visas) are the largest users of the program.
Indian nationals represent about 70% of H-1B visa holders, followed by Chinese workers at 11%. The program has been controversial, with critics arguing it suppresses wages and displaces American workers, while supporters claim it brings essential talent that drives innovation.
Immediate Consequences and Market Reaction
The announcement has created uncertainty among current visa holders. Major employers like Amazon and Microsoft have advised employees not to travel internationally, and those currently outside the US have been urged to return before midnight tonight to avoid potential complications.
Financial markets reacted negatively, with several technology companies seeing stock price declines following the announcement. Analysts worry that reduced access to global talent could harm America's competitive advantage in key sectors.
President Trump defended the policy, stating: "Everyone is very happy with it. This way we keep the exceptionally productive people in our country, and often companies are willing to pay a lot of money for that." The administration claims there was prior consultation with the tech industry, though many companies appear caught off guard by the dramatic fee increase.
