In a dramatic policy shift, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a proposal to raise the H1B1 visa application fee to an unprecedented $100,000 per worker per year. The move, effective from September 21, is set to reshape how U.S. companies hire skilled foreign professionals, especially from India, which continues to dominate the program.
What Is the Current H1B1 Visa Cost?
Until now, U.S. employers sponsoring foreign workers on an H1B1 visa typically paid between $2,000 and $8,000 per applicant, depending on factors such as company size, visa type, and processing speed.
The current cost structure includes:
- $215 registration fee
- $460–$780 petition filing fee
- $500 anti-fraud fee
- $4,000 additional fee (for companies with 50%+ workforce on H1B or L1 visas)
- $2,805 premium processing fee (optional, for faster approvals)
Altogether, even the most complex H1B1 applications rarely exceed $10,000. The proposed $100,000 annual charge marks a tenfold increase, sparking concerns among corporations and immigration lawyers alike.
Why Is Trump Targeting the H1B1 Visa?
Trump has long criticized the H1B1 program, calling its misuse a “national security threat.” His administration claims that large outsourcing firms have exploited the visa system, replacing American jobs with cheaper overseas labor. By raising the H1B1 visa cost, the new rule aims to discourage over-reliance on foreign talent.
However, immigration experts argue that the hike is “excessive” and may not survive legal challenges, as U.S. law only allows agencies to charge fees that cover reasonable processing costs.
Impact on Indian Tech Workers
India remains the single largest beneficiary of the H1B1 visa program, accounting for 71% of approvals in 2024. China followed at a distant 11%, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data.
If enforced, the new H1B1 visa requirements will hit hardest at Indian IT giants such as Infosys, Wipro, and TCS, as well as global tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft — all heavily dependent on skilled Indian engineers.
H1B1 Visa Sponsorship and Path to Green Card
For many professionals, the H1B1 visa sponsorship serves as the first step toward securing permanent residency in the U.S. via a green card. A surge in costs could limit opportunities, especially for mid-sized firms that cannot afford Trump’s H1B1 visa new rules.
Tech leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously highlighted the importance of attracting global talent to keep U.S. innovation strong. With this fee hike, experts warn that more talent may instead shift toward Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Current H1B1 visa cost: $2,000–$8,000 (sometimes up to $10,000)
- Proposed new cost: $100,000 annually per worker
- Primary impact: Indian tech workers, who form 71% of visa recipients
- Legal risk: Fee may be struck down as “excessive” under federal law
Related Visa Context
While the focus remains on the H1B1 visa, international students on the F1 visa and other work visa categories may also see stricter enforcement under evolving immigration policies.
