Corporate America was caught off guard late Friday when the Trump administration announced a new executive order introducing a $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The order triggered immediate confusion among tech, finance, and consulting companies that rely heavily on skilled foreign workers.
Fear and Scramble in the Workplace
Employers quickly advised current H-1B visa holders not to travel internationally, fearing they might not be able to return under the new rule. The H-1B visa fee led to an outpouring of concern, especially from human resource teams and immigration attorneys unsure about who exactly the fee would affect.
Clarification Comes, But Worries Remain
By Saturday, a White House official clarified that the new H-1B visa fee would apply only to new applicants. Still, the damage had been done. Confusion and anxiety lingered throughout the weekend as businesses evaluated how the rule could impact future hiring and workforce planning.
What’s at Stake
The majority of H-1B visa applications are submitted by companies in the professional, scientific, and technical services industries. With a $100K price tag per worker, many firms may be forced to rethink their talent strategies. While the rule doesn’t affect current holders, the H-1B visa fee threatens to reshape how companies fill critical roles moving forward.
