Trump's $100,000 H-1B Fee: A Seismic Shift in U.S. Immigration That Could Cripple Silicon Valley

In a bold proclamation signed on September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump has unleashed what many are calling a death knell for the H-1B visa program, the lifeline for skilled foreign workers in America's tech sector.

The new policy mandates a staggering $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visas—up from the previous $1,000 to $5,000 range—aimed squarely at curbing what the administration deems overuse of the program by corporations seeking cheap, high-skilled labor.

White House officials have clarified that this is a one-time fee, not annual, and it applies only to new applicants outside the U.S. starting with the February 2026 lottery, sparing current holders, renewals, and 2025 lottery winners. No impact on travel for existing visas, they insist, but the damage is already rippling through global talent pipelines.

This isn't just a fee hike; it's a de facto barrier that could slash H-1B approvals by 80-90%, according to early estimates from immigration experts. In fiscal year 2025 alone, over 85,000 H-1B visas were issued, with Indians snagging more than 70%—a boon for firms like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys, but a flashpoint for Trump's "America First" agenda.