Tech Giants Alert Staff to Major H-1B Visa Rule Change

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a massive new fee on H-1B visas. The order sets an annual fee of $100,000 for highly-skilled foreign worker petitions. This represents a colossal increase from the current fee of $215.

The new policy is set to take effect on September 21, 2025. Major tech companies have urgently advised their employees on these visas. According to Reuters, the corporate response has been immediate and widespread.

Tech Giants Issue Urgent Travel Advisories to Staff

Several leading corporations have alerted their H-1B and H-4 visa-holding employees. Microsoft advised staff outside the US to return before the September 21st deadline. The company told employees already in the country to avoid international travel.

JP Morgan issued similar guidance. The banking giant instructed its H-1B employees abroad to return before 12:01 AM ET on the effective date. It also cautioned staff inside the US against any international travel for the time being.

Amazon explicitly told its workers to stay in the United States. In an internal note, the company recommended H-1B and H-4 visa holders return before the deadline. The advisory stressed the importance of remaining in the country to avoid potential issues.

Broader Immigration Policy Shifts and Market Impact

The proclamation also introduced a new “gold card” visa. This $1 million visa offers a pathway to US citizenship for wealthy investors. Fees for other investor visas would range from $10,000 to $20,000 annually.

The new $100,000 fee far exceeds the median salary for new H-1B holders. It impacts more than 80% of all visa holders in the program. This move could significantly alter the talent landscape for American tech firms.

The new $100,000 H-1B visa fee marks a seismic shift in US immigration policy. Its immediate effect has been corporate chaos and urgent employee warnings. The long-term impact on the tech industry’s global workforce remains uncertain.

Info at your fingertips

What is the new H-1B visa fee?

President Trump has imposed a new annual fee of $100,000 for H-1B visa petitions. This is a drastic increase from the previous cost of $215.

When does the new fee take effect?

The new $100,000 H-1B visa fee is scheduled to take effect on September 21, 2025. Companies are urging employees to return to the US before this deadline.

Which companies have warned employees?

Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and JP Morgan have all issued advisories. They are telling H-1B visa holders to return to the US or avoid international travel.

What is the new “gold card” visa?

The proclamation also created a new investor visa option. This $1 million “gold card” visa provides a pathway to US citizenship for wealthy individuals.