H-1B Visa Fee Increase Sparks Hiring Frenzy as Tech CEO Calls $100K Cost a “Rounding Error”

A major US tech policy shift is creating waves. The Trump administration has raised the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 for new applicants. This move has caused significant concern among foreign tech workers.

In a surprising twist, one tech executive is leveraging the change for recruitment. The co-founder of San Francisco’s Metaview is actively seeking H-1B talent. He publicly dismissed the new fee as insignificant for valuable employees.

Metaview’s Bold Recruitment Strategy

Shahriar Tajbakhsh is the Chief Technology Officer at Metaview. He posted a bold message on LinkedIn. He advertised several open roles at his artificial intelligence company.

He directly invited H-1B visa holders to apply. Tajbakhsh specifically targeted workers whose current companies might balk at the new cost. His offer includes an incredibly fast response time.

The Metaview team promises to reply to each application within 24 hours. They also commit to a streamlined interview process. This aggressive approach is a direct response to the new visa fee policy.

Industry Reacts to New Visa Policy

The policy change has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley. Major tech firms are assessing the impact on their workforce. According to Reuters, some companies have advised employees to return to their home countries.

This has created widespread uncertainty for thousands of workers. Many are from India and other countries. They are now unsure about their future in the United States.

Tajbakhsh criticized other attempts to recruit this talent. He described international relocation offers as “a bit desperate.” His solution is to keep skilled workers in San Francisco, the heart of the AI industry.

Broader Impact on Tech Hiring

This situation highlights a deeper debate about valuing foreign talent. Some companies see the fee as a prohibitive new cost of hiring. Others, like Metaview, view it as a minor expense for top-tier contributors.

The move could widen the gap between companies. Firms that highly value specialized skills may gain a recruitment advantage. They can frame themselves as committed to supporting their international employees.

The long-term effects on U.S. innovation and competitiveness remain unclear. This hiring spree is one early reaction to a major policy shift.

The new H-1B visa fee increase is more than a policy change. It is a litmus test for how companies value international talent. Firms like Metaview are betting that top skills are worth any price.

Info at your fingertips

What is the new H-1B visa fee?

The Trump administration has increased the fee for new H-1B visa applications to $100,000. This significant jump is aimed at companies sponsoring foreign workers.

How are tech companies responding?

Reactions are mixed. Some large firms have advised employees to return home. Others are using the fee as a competitive hiring tool to attract valued talent.

What did Metaview’s co-founder say?

Metaview CTO Shahriar Tajbakhsh called the $100,000 fee a “rounding error.” He stated it is negligible compared to the value a great team member creates.

Who does this fee change affect?

The change primarily affects new applicants for the H-1B visa program. It impacts the companies that sponsor them and the workers seeking employment in the U.S.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Hindustan Times