White House Proposes $100,000 Annual Fee for H-1B Visas

Lead The White House announced a proposal today that would require U.S. companies to pay a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B work visa, aiming to curb reliance on foreign talent and bolster domestic hiring.

Nut Graf Unveiled amid a broader budget standoff in Congress, the measure seeks to fund American workforce development and reduce perceived abuse of the H-1B program, drawing swift criticism from tech firms and advocacy groups.

Details of the Proposal

• The proclamation directs the Department of Homeland Security to implement the fee, which would apply to all new and renewing H-1B petitions.
• Revenue generated is earmarked for job-training initiatives and unemployment insurance programs for U.S. workers.

Industry Reaction

• Major technology companies warned that the fee could force skilled workers to leave the country and hamper U.S. innovation.
• Some H-1B holders were advised to expedite green-card applications or prepare for potential relocation.

Political Context

• The announcement comes one day after both parties in the Senate failed to agree on stopgap funding measures, raising the threat of a partial government shutdown on October 1.
• White House officials argue the fee aligns with the administration’s “America First” workforce agenda and could help offset funding gaps if federal operations lapse.

Next Steps

• The fee proposal will be published in the Federal Register, initiating a 30-day public comment period.
• Congressional hearings are expected in the coming weeks, where lawmakers will debate the measure’s impact on business and immigration policy.