To compare, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed imposing a H-1B worker visa application fee of about $100,000. This move is the latest in a string of efforts by President Trump to remold immigration policy. Further, the administration is moving to increase restrictions on companies’ use of the H1B visa program. This program primarily allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The anticipated presidential proclamation would mandate that this application fee be paid before any such company can obtain these visas.
The increased fee bolsters larger immigration enforcement measures that Trump has kicked off. He has raised valid concerns about the detrimental effects foreign workers have on American jobs. These proposed changes will make it extremely difficult to enter under the H-1B visa program. That will be the case unless applicants can satisfy the substantial fee standard. This major shift in policy is meant to make it more expensive for companies to depend on foreign talent. It disincentivizes them from hiring American workers.
In contrast, common tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms were listed among the top approvees of H-1B visas in 2025. Amazon was the frontrunner with more than 10,000 approved visas, while both Microsoft and Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) each tallied more than 5,000 approvals. These figures highlight the significant reliance of tech companies on skilled foreign workers, particularly from countries like India and China.
Historically, India has been the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, comprising 71% of all approved beneficiaries. China was in second place with a share of approved visas at 11.7%. The H-1B visa program typically grants applicants a maximum stay of three to six years. This makes it more feasible for companies to hire international talent for extended periods.
Unlike previous examples, the proposed fee has faced strong opposition from all sectors. Opponents argue that companies often utilize H-1B visa workers to suppress wages and overlook qualified American candidates for job openings. All of these American technology workers have similar sentiments, adamantly voice their frustrations and concerns about how the visa program is being abused and exploited.
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp in particular has come under fire for relying so heavily on H-1B visa holders. After news of the forthcoming fee hit the airwaves, the company’s stock value experienced a 30% drop. Shares of the company fell over 5% on Friday. It only took investors a matter of hours to react to the potential fallout from Trump’s proposed immigration overhaul.
Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is now producing quarterly reports on H-1B visa approvals by employer. This points to the tech industry’s dependence on the program—that’s how crucial it is. One of the aims of Trump’s administration-wide immigration crackdown is the end of H-1B worker visas. This is a notable change of course on how foreign labor is viewed vis-a-vis the American job market.