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What is h1b visa in USA
The H-1B visa is a temporary (nonimmigrant) work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals for jobs in specialty occupations, which typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field.
The employer must sponsor the worker and apply on their behalf. The visa is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years.
There is an annual cap on the number of H-1B visas, and many applicants are selected through a lottery system when demand is high. This visa is widely used in technology, engineering, science, and similar professional fields.
H-1B visa news: Trump Gold Card
President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order imposing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visa petitions—a dramatic increase from previous fees, aimed at overhauling the skilled worker visa program that has long served as a gateway for global tech talent into the United States.
The move, announced on September 19, 2025, follows years of scrutiny of the H-1B program for perceived abuses and its impact on the American labor market.
What Has Changed?
- Fee Increase: Employers wishing to sponsor H-1B workers now face a $100,000 application fee per petition. This comes on top of existing fees, which typically ranged from $1,700 to $4,500 depending on company size and application type.
- Higher Wage Standards: The Department of Labor is directed to raise prevailing wage levels for H-1B jobs, pushing companies to offer salaries competitive with US-born workers.
- Entry Restriction: Only H-1B applicants whose employers pay this fee will be able to enter under the program.
- Crackdown on Abuse: The executive order specifically targets outsourcing and staffing firms that have flooded the system with multiple applications.
Why Is This Happening?
The administration argues that the H-1B program is widely abused, with many foreign workers hired at wages below what Americans earn in similar positions.
The new fee and wage rules are designed to ensure only highly skilled—and highly paid—workers qualify, rather than those who are easily replaceable by American labor.
Who Is Impacted?
- Tech Giants: Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Google, and Tata Consultancy Services have been major beneficiaries of H-1B visas, using them to fill high-skill technical roles. Last year alone, Amazon had over 10,000 approvals.
- Indian and Chinese Nationals: India accounted for 71% of all H-1B approvals last year, and China for about 12%. The fee hike will likely hit Indian IT and consulting firms, as well as tech staffing agencies, particularly hard.
- Small Businesses and Startups: Industry experts warn that only deep-pocketed organizations will be able to afford the new fee, shrinking opportunities for international recruitment among smaller companies.
Additional Changes
Alongside the $100,000 fee, the administration announced a new “gold card” fast-track visa, offering expedited immigration to individuals who can pay $1 million—a move that has generated discussion about the accessibility and fairness of the US immigration system.
Public and Industry Reactions
Supporters of the move say it will curb abuse and restore integrity to the program, making sure H-1B visas go to truly exceptional talent and not those hired primarily because they are willing to accept lower pay.
Critics, however, fear it will stifle innovation, hurt US competitiveness in technology, and restrict opportunities for skilled foreign workers—especially as the annual number of H-1B petitions has already declined to a four-year low.
Future Outlook
With changes still subject to rulemaking and possible legal challenges, stakeholders—from Silicon Valley to overseas tech hubs—are watching closely to see how the new order reshapes the landscape for global talent migration and the broader American job market.
Summary: H-1B visa news: Trump Gold Card
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order raising the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000 per petition, tightening wage requirements and targeting outsourcing abuse.
The step is expected to curtail visa usage among smaller firms, especially those in India and China, while potentially limiting the tech sector’s access to skilled global talent.
