20 tech giants that could be hit hardest by President Donald Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fees

Published: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 9:00 am

Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Hike Rattles Tech Industry

President Donald Trump's recent executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications has sparked significant concern within the tech industry. The order, signed late last week, mandates the increased fee for new H-1B applicants, a move that has sent ripples through Silicon Valley.

H-1B visas are crucial for tech companies, enabling them to recruit skilled workers, including engineers, from overseas. The initial reaction from affected companies was swift, with some, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, reportedly advising employees on H-1B visas to either remain in the US or return from abroad within a day.

The Trump administration later clarified that the increased fees would only apply to new applications, not renewals or current visa holders. The administration stated that the policy aims to curb "abuses" within the system and encourage companies to invest in training American workers.

The policy has drawn mixed reactions. Some, like Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, have expressed support, suggesting it could eliminate the lottery system used to allocate the limited number of H-1B visas. However, others are concerned about the impact on smaller, cash-strapped startups. There are also worries that the policy could inadvertently lead to companies moving jobs outside the US.

Business Insider analyzed data from the Department of Labor and US Citizenship and Immigration Services to identify companies with the highest number of H-1B visa approvals in 2025. Several companies, including Bloomberg, Intel, and Nvidia, declined to comment on the new policy.

BNN's Perspective:

While the intent to address potential system abuses and promote domestic job training is understandable, the sudden implementation of such a significant fee increase raises concerns. The policy's impact on smaller companies and the potential for unintended consequences, such as driving jobs overseas, warrant careful monitoring. A balanced approach that addresses concerns about the H-1B program while supporting the tech industry's need for skilled labor is essential.

Keywords: H-1B visa, Donald Trump, tech industry, visa fees, Silicon Valley, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Reed Hastings, startups, immigration, employment, engineers, policy, executive order, US, jobs

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