Trump raises H-1B visa application fee to $100,000

President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation raising the application fee for H-1B visas to $100,000, adding a new financial barrier for companies seeking to hire foreign workers.

The fee, which comes on top of existing H-1B visa costs typically covered by employers, marks the latest move in the administration’s effort to curb immigration.

“We need workers, we need great workers, and this pretty much ensures that that’s going to happen,” Trump said at the signing.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new charge is intended to push firms to prioritise American workers rather than rely on foreign hires.

“Stop bringing in people to take our jobs, that’s our policy here,” Lutnick said. “All of the big companies are on board. We’ve spoken to them about the gold card and this.”

The change could significantly deter foreign workers from entering the U.S. labour market, as H-1B visas are widely used by technology and speciality industries to employ international talent.

The visas are valid for three years, with possible extensions of up to six years, but are not available to lawful permanent residents.

Trump’s proclamation also directs Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to begin a rulemaking process to revise prevailing wage levels for the H-1B program, Bloomberg reported. (BusinessDay)