U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a major change to the H-1B skilled worker visa program by introducing a new annual fee of $100,000. The move, which takes effect this Sunday, is part of his wider efforts to tighten immigration rules.
The H-1B visa is widely used by technology companies to bring in skilled professionals from abroad. Thousands of Indian workers, who make up nearly 75% of all H-1B recipients, are expected to feel the greatest impact of this policy.
Many analysts believe that the new fee will increase costs for tech companies and could make it harder for them to hire foreign talent.
At the same time, the U.S. government has introduced a separate $1 million “gold card” fast-track residency program. This scheme is aimed at wealthy individuals who want to settle in the U.S. quickly. Critics say the two policies show a preference for the wealthy while making it harder for skilled professionals to work in America.
Business leaders, including Elon Musk, have voiced concerns that such measures may slow down innovation and reduce the U.S.’s competitive edge in the global tech industry. They argue that skilled professionals play a vital role in research, development, and economic growth.
The order is valid for one year, but there is a possibility it could be extended. The Department of Homeland Security has the power to grant exemptions in special cases, though details remain unclear.
For now, the decision has raised uncertainty among thousands of workers and companies who rely heavily on the H-1B program.
