Trump Administration Proposes New $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visa Applications Overview President Donald Trump is preparing to issue a proclamation imposing a new $100,000 application fee on H-1B visas, representing one of the most significant reforms to the skilled worker visa program in decades. This will be accompanied by increased prevailing wage levels overseen by the Department of Labor (DOL) to prevent hiring H-1B workers at below-market rates. Key Changes New $100,000 Fee: Employers sponsoring H-1B workers will be required to pay this substantial fee for each petition. It is not yet clear if this fee supersedes or adds to existing fees (currently $215 for lottery registration and $780 for petition filing). Higher Wage Standards: The DOL will raise the required wages for H-1B workers, increasing employer costs. Program Integrity Measures: The policy aims to crack down on companies, particularly staffing and outsourcing firms, that submit multiple applications to flood the H-1B lottery system. Implications For Employers and HR Professionals Increased Costs: For example, a company sponsoring 10 H-1B workers yearly could face an additional $1 million in fees. Budget and Compliance Adaptations: Organizations will need to update immigration budgets, adjust salary packages, and prepare for more rigorous filing scrutiny. Labor Shortages and Reduced Diversity: High fees might deter international talent, especially in STEM sectors dependent on diverse skills and global collaboration. Innovation Challenges: Dependence on domestic workers alone may slow growth in industries reliant on international professionals. Strategic Shifts: Businesses might adopt automation, offshoring, or invest more in domestic workforce development due to labor gaps and cost issues. For Immigrants and Workers Reduced Access: The hefty $100,000 fee could put the H-1B visa out of reach for many early-career professionals, recent graduates, and those in lower-salary industries. Selective Sponsorship: Employers may reserve H-1B visas for critical or senior roles only. Impact on Students: Those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) may find the transition to H-1B status more difficult due to a more selective employment market. Current Visa Holders: Existing H-1B visa holders won't be immediately affected, but future renewals, transfers, or extensions may be subject to the new rules. Bigger Picture The administration states these reforms will protect U.S. workers, ensure fair wages, and close visa process loopholes. However, many businesses, technology leaders, and immigration advocates warn the policy will: Create a "luxury work permit" accessible only to the wealthiest. Marginalize startups and smaller companies. Drive skilled workers to other countries. Weaken the U.S.'s global innovation leadership. Xiao Wang, founder and CEO of Boundless, emphasized that such policies risk hurting America’s status as the top destination for global talent. Alternatives & Looking Forward Some companies are exploring alternative visa options like the O-1 (extraordinary ability) and EB-1A visas, which bypass the lottery and offer a direct path to permanent residency but require stronger petitions and upfront investment. The new fee faces potential legal challenges since visa fees usually require congressional legislation or formal rulemaking with public notice. If enacted, the policy represents a major shift in U.S. employment immigration, affecting skilled immigrant influx and employer hiring practices. Employers and international workers impacted should monitor updates and consult immigration attorneys. About Boundless Boundless Immigration offers support for family-based and corporate immigration journeys, helping applicants ensure their applications are complete and accurate. --- Related Resources [The H-1B Visa,