US Slaps $100,000 Fee on New H-1B Visa Petitions

The United States has unveiled a sharp new fee of US$100,000 on employers filing fresh H-1B visa petitions, a move likely to send shockwaves through technology firms and multinational companies that depend on skilled foreign workers.

The H-1B visa programme allows American employers to hire highly skilled professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, finance and healthcare. It has long been a main route for Indian technology firms and global consultancies to place employees in the US workforce.

Under the new rules, the fee will apply only to initial petitions and not to visa renewals or extensions. According to US authorities, the measure is aimed at curbing misuse of the scheme and ensuring that visas are reserved for top-tier talent rather than being used for bulk recruitment at lower costs.

The announcement is expected to have significant implications for firms with heavy reliance on H-1B visas, especially in the technology sector, which has lobbied for more access to overseas talent to meet labour shortages. Critics warn the hefty charge could deter smaller companies and startups from sponsoring skilled foreign workers, potentially narrowing opportunities for global professionals seeking to work in the US.

The fee comes at a time of growing scrutiny of US immigration policies, with Washington balancing pressure to protect domestic jobs against the demand for specialist expertise in high-growth industries.