US Proposes $103,265 Visa Fee as Trump Administration Tightens Skilled Worker Rules
The administration of US President Donald Trump has proposed making a $103,265 fee for new H-1B work visas permanent, a move that could significantly increase the cost of hiring highly skilled foreign workers in the country.
The H-1B programme allows US employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised jobs, particularly in sectors such as technology, education, research and engineering. The visas previously attracted fees generally ranging from about $2,000 to $5,000.
The proposed fee comes as the administration continues to tighten immigration rules. However, its implementation faces legal challenges after a federal judge ruled in June that the fee was unlawful. An appeals court is currently reviewing the case.
The proposed charge would not affect foreign nationals already in the US on student visas who later receive H-1B visas, nor would it apply to renewals of existing H-1B visas. The programme currently provides 65,000 visas each year, with an additional 20,000 available to people with advanced degrees.
Supporters of the programme argue that H-1B visas help US companies fill positions where qualified local workers are in short supply. Critics, including Trump and some lawmakers, argue that companies use the programme to hire foreign workers at lower costs instead of American employees.
The proposed rule is likely to face further legal challenges from business groups, states and labour organisations. If approved, the new fee could make the US a more expensive destination for companies seeking skilled workers from abroad.
