- $100,000 fee affects only new H-1B visa applications, not renewals.
- Amazon, Google, Microsoft advise employees to stay in the U.S. until rules clarify.
- Current H-1B holders’ travel is not restricted, per White House officials.
Major technology companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have instructed employees on H-1B visas to remain in the United States after President Donald Trump announced sweeping changes to the visa process. The White House proclamation, signed Friday, introduces a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, set to take effect Sunday at 12:01 a.m. Eastern.
Internal memos shared by Business Insider and Sources indicate that tech firms are advising employees to avoid international travel. Those already abroad are being encouraged to return to the U.S. before the new rules take effect. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment, and TechCrunch has reached out to Amazon and Google for further clarification.
H-1B Holders and Fee Impact
Despite initial concerns, a White House official clarified to Axios that the fee applies only to new H-1B applications, not renewals or current holders. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added via X that H-1B employees can continue to travel in and out of the U.S. as usual.
To be clear:
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) September 20, 2025
1.) This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.
2.) Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.
H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the…
Government data highlights that Amazon leads in H-1B approvals this fiscal year, followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, with Google in sixth place. The prominence of these tech giants underscores the potential impact of Trump’s policy on the U.S. tech workforce.
Implications for the Tech Sector
The sudden fee hike has prompted rapid responses from major employers aiming to minimize disruption. By advising employees to stay in the U.S., tech companies are signaling concern about uncertainty and potential complications for international staff. Analysts suggest that such executive actions could influence hiring and travel patterns in the coming months.
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While the $100,000 H-1B fee only affects new applications, the policy shift has triggered immediate caution among U.S. tech giants. Employees are being urged to remain in the country until further guidance is issued, highlighting the sector’s sensitivity to regulatory changes and the importance of strategic workforce management.
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