Trump increases price of Big Tech's favorite visa
Cost of hiring foreign workers rises to $130,000
1Major H-1B visa fee hike
The US Department of Homeland Security announced a new $103,265 fee for H-1B visa applications, marking a significant increase from the previous $100,000 fee. Tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft heavily rely on this visa category. The new fee, effective in 2026, will substantially raise costs for companies hiring foreign talent, potentially reshaping the tech industry's hiring landscape.
2Blow to tech sector
H-1B visas provide work authorization for high-skilled foreign professionals in the US. Technology companies use these visas to employ thousands of engineers and specialists. The fee increase could particularly hurt small and mid-sized tech firms. Experts warn this might weaken US competitiveness in the global tech race, potentially driving innovation elsewhere.
3Rural workforce crisis
Previous fee increases caused severe labor shortages in rural hospitals and Alaskan schools, which have become dependent on skilled immigrant workers due to local population decline. The new hike could create a full-blown crisis in these sectors, possibly leading to service disruptions in healthcare and education. Rural communities already struggling to attract qualified candidates may face catastrophic consequences.
4OPT program at risk
Immigration advocates warn the Trump administration might next target the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work for 12-36 months after graduation. DHS has hinted at imposing a $100,000 fee for OPT participation. Such a move could dramatically reduce international student applications to US universities, impacting both academic diversity and university revenues.
5200,000 visa revocations
According to the Associated Press, the State Department plans to revoke 200,000 business and travel visas issued between 2016-2026 to individuals who applied for asylum after entering the US. This would be the largest mass visa revocation in US history. Officials claim the move aims to close a loophole in the asylum system, though critics argue it targets legitimate asylum seekers.
6Legal challenges
FWD.us President Todd Schulte argues the fee increase is unlawful. In 2025, a federal judge struck down Trump's previous attempt to raise visa fees. Legal experts warn these measures could ultimately harm the US economy by driving skilled immigrants to competitor nations. The administration is attempting the hike again through new regulatory changes, setting up potential court battles.
7Business community backlash
Tech leaders and business representatives warn the fee hike could undermine US innovation capacity, particularly in critical fields like AI and software development. Some companies are reportedly considering relocating offices to Canada or Europe. Analysts suggest these policies might jeopardize America's long-term technological leadership by making it harder to attract global talent.
8Radical immigration shift
Trump's second term is witnessing dramatic changes to US immigration policies, favoring only certain immigrant profiles or those who can pay premium fees. This represents a radical departure from traditional merit-based immigration principles. Experts predict long-term impacts on both the US economy and social fabric, potentially altering the nation's competitive position in the global talent market.
Original article: The Verge — Trump, Büyük Teknoloji'nin favori vizesinin fiyatını artırıyor