Confusion follows $100,000 H-1B charge
Major companies including Amazon, Microsoft and JPMorgan rushed out emergency guidance to staff after President Donald Trump announced a new $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, sparking widespread confusion among foreign workers and employers.
The proclamation, signed on Friday, initially offered little clarity on whether the hefty fee would apply to existing visa holders or only to new applicants. Amazon and Microsoft urged staff not to leave the US until details were confirmed, while banks including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs advised H-1B employees to avoid overseas travel.
Immigration law firm Fragomen told clients with approved petitions to return to the US before the rules were due to take effect on Sunday.
White House clarifies
On Saturday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt moved to calm fears, confirming the charge would only apply to new applications and not to renewals or re-entries. “Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter,” she said on X.
Her comments contrasted with those of commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, who a day earlier suggested the fee would be applied annually.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services was instructed to ensure officers applied the clarified terms consistently.
Backlash from industry and allies
Silicon Valley leaders condemned the move, warning it would push talent to rival hubs in Canada and Europe. Y Combinator’s chief executive Garry Tan called it a “massive gift” to overseas competitors, while Canadian and European business groups welcomed the chance to attract skilled workers.
India’s foreign ministry said the change could cause humanitarian disruption for families, with nationals from the country making up the majority of H-1B holders.
