H1B Visa Fee, 1B Visa Fee Increase, New Rules 2025 & Trump’s Proclamation Explained
- Foreign News
- 20.09.2025
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- 25
Visa fee by Trump Introduces $100,000 H-1B Visa Application Fee
Visa fee by President Donald Trump signed an executive action on Friday imposing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, a move aimed at curbing what his administration describes as overuse of the program. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the measure would incentivize companies to hire American workers while still allowing businesses to recruit highly skilled foreign talent.
The proclamation will restrict entry under the H-1B program unless the fee is paid.
The “Gold Card” Fast-Track Visa Program
In a separate order, Trump announced the creation of a “gold card” immigration pathway. This new policy fast-tracks visas for certain immigrants who pay the US $1 million or for companies paying $2 million to expedite the process for a sponsored foreign worker.
This marks one of the administration’s boldest steps yet to reshape US immigration, prioritizing high earners and entrepreneurs while limiting lower-income immigration.
The moves are expected to significantly impact industries—especially the tech sector—that depend heavily on H-1B workers. The H-1B visa, valid for three years and renewable for another three, has long helped US companies maintain competitiveness and grow their business, often creating additional jobs for American workers.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the administration arrived at the $100,000 fee after consulting with companies, adding that the payment structure may be charged either upfront or annually.
President Trump’s position on the H-1B program has shifted over time. During his first term, he restricted access to foreign worker visas and criticized the H-1B program. However, during the 2024 campaign, he signaled support for granting legal status to some foreign-born workers graduating from US universities.
In December, Trump defended the program, telling the New York Post: “I’ve always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them.”
Trump’s remarks came after entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy publicly defended the H-1B program, igniting criticism from hardline immigration opponents. The debate has divided Trump’s supporters, some of whom accuse companies of using H-1B visas to replace American workers at lower pay.
The program currently grants 65,000 H-1B visas annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for advanced degree holders from US institutions. Demand for these visas far exceeds supply, triggering a lottery system each year.
H-1B Visas and the Tech Sector
Many companies, especially in tech, rely on the H-1B program to fill roles requiring specialized expertise. While Trump has previously opposed the program, citing its use to undercut American labor, industry leaders argue it is essential for innovation and growth.
During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Trump restricted H-1B access on several occasions as part of efforts to curb legal immigration.
H1B Visa Fee Increase: What You Need to Know
The H-1B visa, a highly sought-after US work visa for skilled foreign professionals, is undergoing significant changes. In 2025, the US government introduced a fee increase aimed at reshaping how companies hire foreign workers. Under President Donald Trump’s executive action, companies sponsoring H-1B workers will now face a $100,000 annual application fee for each foreign employee.
This marks a dramatic rise compared to the previous administrative fees of approximately $1,500, and it’s designed to encourage employers to prioritize hiring American workers while still allowing them to access top international talent when necessary.
H1B New Rules 2025: Changes Under Trump’s Administration
The new H-1B rules for 2025 go beyond just fee increases. Trump’s proclamation introduces a stricter screening process and restricts entry under the program unless the new payment structure is met. These changes include:
- A $100,000 application fee per worker, per year.
- New vetting procedures and compliance requirements for employers.
- Introduction of a “gold card visa” program, which allows fast-tracking for immigrants who pay $1 million personally or for companies paying $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker.
- Focus on attracting high earners, entrepreneurs, and top-tier professionals.
These new rules have been described as some of the most significant changes to US skilled-worker immigration policy in decades.
Trump H1B Visa Reddit Discussions: What People Are Saying
The H-1B visa changes have sparked intense discussion on Reddit, particularly in immigration, tech, and policy-focused communities. Many users are debating the impact of Trump’s new policies on the US tech industry, startups, and international professionals.
Key topics trending on Reddit include:
- The potential for a “brain drain” as foreign workers look for opportunities outside the US.
- Small businesses being priced out of sponsoring skilled workers due to high fees.
- The impact on the competitiveness of the US tech sector versus countries like Canada and the UK.
While some Redditors support Trump’s moves to prioritize American workers, others argue that the new policies may harm innovation and slow economic growth.
Trump H1B Visa Proclamation: The Official Details
President Trump’s latest H-1B visa proclamation outlines a two-pronged approach: raising costs for traditional H-1B visas and creating a premium “gold card” fast-track option. This move, his administration argues, ensures that only the most skilled and financially capable immigrants gain access to US work opportunities.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the payment model—whether $300,000 upfront or $100,000 annually—is still under review but emphasized that “extraordinary people at the very top” will be prioritized under the gold card program. The policy aims to reduce reliance on lower-wage foreign labor while encouraging companies to invest more heavily in their workforce choices.
Key Takeaways for Employers and Skilled Workers
- Massive Fee Hike: H-1B visa applications now cost $100,000 annually, a huge increase from past fees.
- New Gold Card Visa: Allows wealthy immigrants and companies to fast-track applications.
- Stricter Vetting: More compliance requirements for employers sponsoring foreign workers.
- Industry Impact: Tech companies and startups may struggle to afford the new costs, potentially shifting operations abroad.
The newly unveiled gold card program is designed to overhaul how the US attracts foreign workers. Lutnick, its chief architect, said the program will prioritize “extraordinary people at the very top” by speeding entry for those who can afford the fees. He criticized the existing green card process as bringing in workers from the “bottom quartile” abroad.
The policy, he argued, will ensure the US attracts only the most skilled and high-earning individuals.
