Trump Shocks Tech World: H-1B Visa Fee Now $100,000

President Donald Trump has just dropped a bombshell on the U.S. immigration and tech scene — the cost of applying for an H-1B visa has skyrocketed to $100,000.

For those who don’t know, H-1B visas are the lifeline for many tech companies in Silicon Valley and beyond. They let firms bring in skilled workers — especially engineers and programmers from countries like India — to fill roles that local talent often can’t. The U.S. hands out about 85,000 of these visas every year, and roughly three-quarters go to Indians.

Now imagine the price tag suddenly jumping to six figures. That’s exactly what Trump just signed into law.

But that’s not all. Alongside the hike, he also rolled out what he calls the “Gold Card” residency program:

• Pay $1 million (or $2 million if a company sponsors you), and you can fast-track U.S. residency.

• Think of it like buying your way into America.

“We’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said proudly from the Oval Office.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about money — it’s about the future of the U.S. tech industry. Big tech companies rely heavily on H-1B workers, especially from India. Without them, many startups and even giants like Google, Microsoft, and Tesla would struggle to fill crucial roles.

That’s why people like Elon Musk, once a Trump ally, are warning that this move could backfire. “The U.S. simply doesn’t have enough homegrown talent for these jobs,” tech leaders argue.

Still, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insists, “All the big companies are on board.”

The Bigger Picture

Trump has been eyeing the H-1B program since his first term, but courts blocked some of his earlier attempts. Now in his second term, this $100,000 fee is part of his broader crackdown on immigration.

• Under Biden (2022): H-1B approvals peaked.

• Under Trump (2018): Rejections peaked.

• In 2024: Around 400,000 H-1Bs were approved, two-thirds of them renewals.

For now, the new rule kicks in this Sunday and lasts a year — though Trump can extend it.

The Bottom Line

Whether you see this as a bold move to “protect American jobs” or a dangerous gamble that could push talent elsewhere, one thing’s clear: the U.S. tech world is about to feel the impact.