On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation raising the annual fee for H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers from $215 to $100,000, a move that has sent shockwaves through the U.S. technology sector. The sharp increase prompted companies like Meta and Microsoft to issue urgent advisories to their employees on H-1B and H4 visas, asking them not to leave the country and for those abroad to return within 24 hours.
Meta and Microsoft sent internal emails over the weekend advising H-1B and H4 visa holders to avoid international travel and remain in the United States. Employees currently abroad were told to return within 24 hours to avoid the risk of being denied re-entry.
Meta instructed its employees to stay in the U.S. “till practical applications” of the new policies become clear, while Microsoft “strongly” urged workers to remain in place and for those outside the country to “do their best to return.”
The H-1B visa program, which provides skilled foreign professionals three-year work permits renewable for another three years, has long been a cornerstone for U.S. tech companies hiring engineers, developers, and IT managers.
Investor visas will also see costs rise sharply, from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. The White House said the move is designed to “incentivize the hiring of American workers” while still allowing companies to recruit “truly extraordinary people.”
Indians remain the largest group of H-1B recipients, making up 71 percent of approved applications last year. China was the second-largest beneficiary at 11.7 percent, according to U.S. government data. The sharp increase in fees is expected to disproportionately affect Indian tech workers and the companies that depend on them.
The administration also introduced a new “Gold Card” visa system. It includes the Trump Gold Card and Trump Platinum Card for individuals and the Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. These visas are marketed as exclusive alternatives to existing employment-based visas and are aimed at attracting professors, scientists, artists, and athletes.
The measures are expected to face legal challenges, but in the meantime, major tech companies are advising foreign employees to comply with travel restrictions until the full scope of the rules becomes clear.
