The $100,000 Fee for the H-1B Visa

President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas has caused widespread confusion among companies, immigrant workers, and foreign governments as they try to understand how the change will play out.

What is an H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized fields such as healthcare, technology, and finance. It was originally designed to address gaps in the American workforce, but critics argue that it has been misused, forcing some U.S. workers to contend with lower wages and fewer opportunities.

What changed?

Trump’s proclamation requires companies to cough up a massive $100,000 payment for each new application submitted after Sept. 21 — a dramatic rise from the usual $2,000–$5,000 fee. The sudden increase threatens to clean out smaller firms that depend on international workers but lack deep pockets.

The policy does not apply to renewals or current visa holders, but only to new applications. Still, the steep cost could set back many companies, especially those in the tech sector that regularly bring in thousands of skilled workers from abroad.

Who is affected?

Major firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google have long relied on the program, often gobbling up thousands of approvals each year. But with the new fee, even tech giants may need to put aside far more funds to continue hiring at the same pace. Smaller employers may simply drop out of the program altogether.

For applicants, the new costs could mean years of savings will be wiped out as they try to come up with money for fees and other relocation expenses. Those lucky enough to be chosen in the annual lottery might find that winning doesn’t automatically mean they can afford to proceed.

What’s next?

The $100,000 charge is a one-time fee, but companies are already looking for ways to put by money to cover future costs. Analysts say the burden could roll in gradually, showing up in reduced hiring, higher product prices, or employers trying to work off costs in other ways, such as cutting benefits.

Some speculate that private investors might even try to buy out smaller companies struggling to handle the costs, especially in industries where skilled foreign labor is essential. Others believe that firms might break into new overseas markets instead of relying so heavily on U.S. operations.

What is clear is that the move has left businesses scrambling. Whether they are forced to bail out of the program altogether or adjust their strategies, the change marks one of the sharpest increases in immigration-related costs in decades.

Vocabulary List

1. to contend with

• Definition: To deal with or face a difficult situation or problem.

• Example: Small businesses must contend with rising costs and limited staff.

• Practice Question: What challenges do you have to contend with in your daily work or studies?

2. to cough up

• Definition: To reluctantly give money or something valuable, often unwillingly.

• Example: The company had to cough up thousands of dollars in fines.

• Practice Question: When was the last time you had to cough up money for something unexpected?

3. to clean out

• Definition: To use up or empty resources completely; to make someone spend all their money.

• Example: The repair bill nearly cleaned me out.

• Practice Question: Has an expense ever cleaned you out financially?

4. to set back

• Definition: To delay progress or cause a disadvantage.

• Example: The power outage set back production by several days.

• Practice Question: What has recently set back your plans?

5. to bring in

• Definition: To hire, recruit, or generate something (such as money or workers).

• Example: The company plans to bring in new staff from overseas.

• Practice Question: If you had your own company, what kind of people would you want to bring in?

6. to gobble up

• Definition: To take or use a large amount quickly; to consume eagerly.

• Example: Big corporations often gobble up smaller competitors.

• Practice Question: Which industry in your country gobbles up the most skilled workers?

7. to put aside

• Definition: To save or reserve something for later use.

• Example: She puts aside a little money each month for travel.

• Practice Question: What do you usually try to put aside for the future?

8. to square up

• Definition: To pay money owed; to settle a bill or debt.

• Example: Before leaving the hotel, we squared up at the reception desk.

• Practice Question: Do you prefer to square up with friends immediately after eating out, or later?

9. to put by

• Definition: To save money over time for a specific purpose.

• Example: He’s been putting by money for his children’s education.

• Practice Question: What are some things you are putting by money for right now?

10. to roll in

• Definition: To arrive or appear in large amounts; to accumulate.

• Example: Orders started to roll in after the new ad campaign launched.

• Practice Question: What kind of news or information usually rolls in quickly in your community?

11. to work off

• Definition: To get rid of or repay something through effort.

• Example: She worked off her debt by taking a second job.

• Practice Question: How do you usually work off stress after a long day?

12. to buy out

• Definition: To purchase someone’s share or take over ownership of a company.

• Example: A larger firm bought out the struggling startup.

• Practice Question: If you could buy out any company, which one would it be and why?

13. to break into

• Definition: To successfully enter a new area, market, or profession.

• Example: The company hopes to break into the Asian market.

• Practice Question: What new field would you like to break into in the future?

14. to bail out

• Definition: To help someone or something escape from a difficult financial or personal situation.

• Example: The government bailed out the banks during the crisis.

• Practice Question: Do you think governments should bail out failing companies? Why or why not?