Amazon Advises H-1B Visa Holders to Stay in US Amid New Policy Uncertainty

Amazon has issued a critical advisory to its employees on work visas. The tech giant told H-1B and H-4 visa holders to remain in the United States. This internal note was seen and confirmed by Reuters.

The company’s guidance is a direct response to recent immigration developments. It aims to protect its workforce from potential new entry barriers.

New Visa Fee Sparks Corporate Warnings

Amazon’s message was explicit and urgent. It recommended employees return to the U.S. before a specific deadline. The advised time was September 21 at 12:00 am EDT.

This corporate warning follows a new proclamation. U.S. officials announced a hefty $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. The policy is set to last for an initial twelve-month period.

Clarifications and Broader Industry Impact

However, a U.S. official provided crucial clarification to Hindustan Times. The official stated the fee applies only to new visa petitions, not renewals. This means current visa holders abroad are not immediately affected.

Other major corporations issued similar alerts. Microsoft strongly urged its H-1B staff to return before the deadline. JPMorgan’s external counsel also advised visa holders to avoid international travel for now.

This situation highlights the ongoing focus on immigration reform. The administration has consistently targeted the H-1B program, arguing it can suppress wages for American workers. The tech industry, which relies heavily on this visa for specialized talent, faces significant adjustments.

The advisory from Amazon underscores the high stakes for thousands of skilled workers. This evolving H-1B visa news will directly impact corporate hiring strategies and global talent mobility in the coming year.

Info at your fingertips

Who is affected by Amazon’s H-1B visa advisory?

The notice specifically targets Amazon employees currently in the U.S. on H-1B work visas and their H-4 dependent family members. It advises them against international travel.

Do H-1B visa holders need to pay a $100,000 fee now?

No. A U.S. official clarified the proposed fee applies only to new visa petitions, not renewals for existing holders. The specifics of the policy are still under consideration.

Which other companies gave similar advice to employees?

Major firms like Microsoft and JPMorgan Chase issued nearly identical warnings. They recommended H-1B visa holders stay in or return to the U.S. to avoid potential complications.

Why is the H-1B visa program under scrutiny?

The administration argues some companies misuse the program to hire cheaper foreign labor, disadvantaging American workers. The new measures aim to prioritize domestic hiring and increase wages.

Which countries receive the most H-1B visas?

Government data shows India receives the vast majority of these visas, accounting for 71% of approvals. China is a distant second with approximately 11.7%.