Trump changes H-1B visa rules, US to charge 8.8 million in fees for new applications
Trump Changes H-1B Visa Rules: US President Donald Trump has changed the H-1B visa rules. According to the new rule, some H-1B visa holders will no longer be able to directly enter the US as non-immigrant workers. A fee of over $100,000, or ₹8.8 million in Indian rupees, will be required with each new application. This new fee of ₹8.8 million could significantly increase costs for companies. However, it's being said that this decision won't pose a significant problem for large tech companies, as they frequently spend heavily on top professionals.
However, this could put smaller tech firms and startups under pressure.
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Trump changes H-1B visa rules
White House Staff Secretary Will Sharp stated that the H-1B non-immigrant visa program is one of the most abused visa systems. The purpose of this visa is to allow highly skilled individuals to come and work in the United States. This proclamation will increase the fee for companies to sponsor H-1B applicants to $100,000. This will ensure that those coming to the United States are truly highly qualified and cannot be replaced by American workers.
US to charge ₹8.8 million for new applications
A $100,000 fee has been made mandatory for new H-1B visa applications. Now, only top-qualified international candidates will be eligible for this visa. Technology companies rely on this program. India's share has been 71 percent. It's inevitable that Indian professionals will bear the brunt of this.
.@POTUS signs an Executive Order to create the Gold Card visa program, facilitating expedited immigration for aliens who make significant financial gifts to the United States. pic.twitter.com/l0kMUdQh3f
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 19, 2025
What exactly is this H-1B visa?
Let us explain the changes to the H-1B visa program. According to DHS, the H-1B non-immigrant visa program allows American employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law defines such occupations as those that require highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent qualifications, in a specific specialty.
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Major technology companies rely heavily on this program to bring in thousands of employees from countries like India and China each year. American workers are irreplaceable.
Changing H-1B visa rules is Trump's high-profile move
Since coming to power in January, Trump has launched a wide-ranging immigration crackdown, including steps to limit some legal immigration. Changing the H-1B visa program is his administration's most high-profile move to date.
The H-1B program grants 65,000 visas each year to bring temporary foreign workers into specialized fields. Additionally, 20,000 more visas are issued for workers with advanced degrees.
Summary
Under the current system, applicants for H-1B visas first pay a small fee and enter a lottery, and if selected, they pay a subsequent fee of up to a few thousand dollars. Companies pay almost all of these fees.
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