Core Points - The Trump administration's plan to raise the H-1B application fee to $100,000 has created significant anxiety among international graduate students and companies reliant on the visa program [2][3][4] - The sudden implementation of the new fee structure has led to confusion and panic among visa holders and companies, with many employees being advised to return to the US immediately [4][10] - Major tech companies and institutions, including Google, Apple, and various universities, are concerned about the impact on their recruitment strategies due to the increased costs associated with H-1B visas [6][10] Industry Impact - The H-1B visa program is crucial for sectors like technology, education, and healthcare, which depend on skilled international talent [3][6] - The proposed fee increase is expected to disproportionately affect startups, small companies, and non-profits, limiting their ability to hire entry-level professionals [9][10] - The announcement has prompted discussions about the need for reforms in the H-1B system, with some advocating for expansion to address labor shortages [8] Company Reactions - Companies are left scrambling to understand the implications of the new fee structure on their hiring plans, with many expressing concerns about the potential loss of talent [6][10] - The uncertainty surrounding the visa changes has led to immediate reactions from employees, with some planning to return to their home countries [11][14] - The healthcare sector, in particular, is worried about the potential disruption in the pipeline of international medical graduates due to the new fee structure [10]

Satish, a graduate student from India studying in San Francisco, thought this fall would be about finishing his business degree and then lining up an H-1B visa, the work permit that’s become a mainstay for skilled immigrants in the US.Instead, he’s worried about his ability to build a career in the US as he tries to make sense of the Trump administration’s plan to raise the H-1B application fee to $100,000.Also read“When someone moves here, they move with the motive of working hard and building something be ...

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].