Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000, Launches New “Gold Card” Residency Program
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sharply increasing the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move expected to significantly impact America’s technology sector.
The order coincides with the introduction of a new “gold card” residency program, which offers fast-tracked US residency for $1 million, or $2 million if paid via corporate sponsorship.
“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office as he signed the measures.
The H-1B visa program enables US companies to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills—including scientists, engineers, and programmers—for an initial three-year period, renewable up to six years. Each year, 85,000 slots are available through a lottery system, with Indian applicants historically receiving about 75% of the visas. These visas are critical for US tech firms seeking to fill skill gaps.
Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously warned that restricting H-1B visas could hurt the tech industry, citing the shortage of domestic talent in key sectors.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the signing, stated, “All the big companies are on board.”
During his first term, Trump attempted to limit which jobs qualified for H-1B sponsorship, but courts blocked those efforts. The new order represents a continuation of his broader immigration restrictions in his second term.
Under the new rules:
The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applicants starting Sunday.
The Secretary of Homeland Security can grant exemptions for certain individuals, companies, or industries.
The order is set to remain in effect for one year, with potential extensions by the President.
Demand for H-1B visas has surged in recent years, reaching a record high in 2022 under President Joe Biden. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, primarily renewals.
Trump emphasized that the gold card program will attract wealthy investors, saying, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful.”
Previously, Nigeria and several other African nations were affected by a 15% import tariff following a separate executive order signed by Trump.
Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000, Launches New “Gold Card” Residency Program
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sharply increasing the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move expected to significantly impact America’s technology sector.
The order coincides with the introduction of a new “gold card” residency program, which offers fast-tracked US residency for $1 million, or $2 million if paid via corporate sponsorship.
“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office as he signed the measures.
The H-1B visa program enables US companies to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills—including scientists, engineers, and programmers—for an initial three-year period, renewable up to six years. Each year, 85,000 slots are available through a lottery system, with Indian applicants historically receiving about 75% of the visas. These visas are critical for US tech firms seeking to fill skill gaps.
Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously warned that restricting H-1B visas could hurt the tech industry, citing the shortage of domestic talent in key sectors.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the signing, stated, “All the big companies are on board.”
During his first term, Trump attempted to limit which jobs qualified for H-1B sponsorship, but courts blocked those efforts. The new order represents a continuation of his broader immigration restrictions in his second term.
Under the new rules:
The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applicants starting Sunday.
The Secretary of Homeland Security can grant exemptions for certain individuals, companies, or industries.
The order is set to remain in effect for one year, with potential extensions by the President.
Demand for H-1B visas has surged in recent years, reaching a record high in 2022 under President Joe Biden. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, primarily renewals.
Trump emphasized that the gold card program will attract wealthy investors, saying, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful.”
Previously, Nigeria and several other African nations were affected by a 15% import tariff following a separate executive order signed by Trump.
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