Trump’s Pricey H-1B Visas Rattle Prospects Seeking to Work in US

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration's plan to raise the H-1B application fee to $100,000 has created significant concern among international graduate students and companies that rely on skilled immigrant labor, particularly in the tech sector [1][2][3]. Group 1: Impact on Companies - Major companies like Google, Apple, and Meta Platforms employ thousands of H-1B visa holders, and the fee increase could disrupt their recruitment strategies [4]. - The sudden implementation of the fee change has left companies scrambling to understand its implications for their workforce and hiring plans [6][8]. - The new fee structure is expected to make the H-1B visa less accessible for entry-level professionals, potentially harming startups, small companies, nonprofits, and educational institutions [8]. Group 2: Effects on International Students - The H-1B visa is crucial for international graduate students seeking to remain in the US after completing their degrees, with 20,000 out of 85,000 visas issued annually reserved for advanced degree holders [5]. - The overwhelming demand for H-1B visas is evident, as over 470,000 applications were submitted for the 2025 fiscal year lottery [5]. - Many international students are reconsidering their future in the US, with some planning to return to their home countries due to the uncertainty surrounding the visa process [9][12]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Concerns - The announcement of the fee increase has been criticized as potentially unlawful, as fees should be linked to processing costs and subject to public comment [7]. - The timing of the announcement has been described as creating chaos, with little time for companies or legal advisors to prepare for the changes [6][7].