Trump’s new H-1B visa rule: $100,000 fee for skilled workers, claims to save American jobs, gold card visa was also launched .US President Donald Trump has made revolutionary changes to the H-1B visa. Companies bringing foreign skilled workers to the US will now have to pay a hefty fee of $100,000 (approximately ₹8.3 million)per application.
This move is aimed at strengthening the American workforce and preventing alleged abuse of the visa program. This decision by the trump administration could create a storm in the technology sector, where a large number of indian IT professionals rely on H-1B visas. Additionally, Trump has launched a $1 million (approximately ₹8.3 crore) Gold card visa program for wealthy investors, which will ease the path to permanent residency. Let’s understand this change in detail
What is the H-1B visa? The US Skilled Immigration Program
The H-1B visa allows American companies to temporarily employ foreign specialists, particularly in fields such as IT, engineering, medicine, and science. Launched in 1990, the program was designed to attract highly skilled workers, but critics say it takes jobs away from American workers.
Key H-1B Visa Statistics:
- Annual Limit: Since 2004, a maximum of 85,000 visas have been issued per year (65,000 for general visas + 20,000 for graduates from US universities).
- Application Numbers: According to USCIS, applications for the next fiscal year have dropped to 359,000, the lowest in four years.
- Top Beneficiary Companies: Last fiscal year, Amazon led the way (10,000+ visas), followed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google.
Until now, the application fee totaled approximately $1,500 (about Rs 1.25 lakh), which included registration ($215) and Form I-129 ($780). The new $100,000 fee will be additional, which could prove to be a significant burden for companies.
Trump’s Executive Order: Purpose and Impact of the $100,000 Fee
President Trump signed this executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday. He was accompanied by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Lutnick said, “The annual fee for H-1B visas has been set at $100,000. All major companies are included. We’ve talked to them.”
Trump stressed, “If you’re going to train someone, you have to train someone who recently graduated from one of our country’s great universities. Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs.”
Key provisions of the order:
- New Fee: A mandatory payment of $100,000 with every new H-1B application or supplemental petition. This fee will apply annually, which could total up to $300,000 for a three-year visa.
- Entry Ban: Foreign workers will be barred from entering the US if they don’t pay.
- Preventing abuse: The administration claims this move will prevent visa abuse, where companies harm American workers by bringing in foreign workers at lower wages. The average American salary is $75,000, while many H-1B workers make $60,000.
White House Staff Secretary Will Sharf said, “This will only serve as a means of bringing highly skilled workers to the US where there is a shortage of the American workforce.”
Potential Impact on the Indian IT Sector
India is the largest source of H-1B visas, where millions of IT professionals depend on them. The new fees will affect companies like TCS and Infosys. According to a Dainik Bhaskar report, this will be a major blow to Indian IT professionals.
Tahmina Watson, founder of Watson Immigration Law, said, “This decision could be the last nail in the coffin for small businesses and start-ups. The $100,000 fee will be devastating. Many companies say they are unable to find skilled workers.”
George Lopez of Littler Mendelson PC warned, “This will put the brake on American competitiveness. Some companies may relocate outside the US.”
Gold Card Visa: A New Path for Wealthy Investors
Trump launched the ‘Trump Gold Card’ program through another order. Under this:
- Fee: The process for permanent residence (Green Card) will be expedited by paying $1 million (approximately Rs. 8.3 crore).
- Benefits: Foreigners or companies with exceptional qualifications can be sponsored by paying $2 million.
- Revenue Estimates: 2.5 lakh people have already expressed interest, with a potential revenue of $1.25 trillion.
Lutnick said, “This will make America attractive. Currently, Green Card holders earn an average of $66,000, which is below the US average. The Gold Card will attract highly qualified people.”
Trump’s Confused Stance on H-1B: First Strict, Now Changed
- Trump’s stance on H-1B has always been controversial.In 2017: During his first term, he increased scrutiny, with the rejection rate reaching 24% (5-8% during Obama’s tenure, 2-4% under Biden’s).
2024 Election: To support the tech industry, he promised to attract talent, even proposing green cards for college graduates. - On the All-In podcast: “Companies need top talent.”
But former advisers like Steve Bannon have critics, while supporters like Elon Musk say it makes the US a global talent hub. “I understand both sides,” Trump said in January.
A New Turn in US Immigration Policy
Trump’s move is part of his “America First” policy, which is also limiting legal immigration. Technology companies have remained silent, but the BBC has reached out. Concerns have risen in India, as tariffs on software exports are also expected.
If you want to learn more about the H-1B or Gold Card, check the USCIS website. How this change will affect global immigration will become clearer in the coming months. Will it strengthen the US economy or stifle innovation? The debate continues.
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