Trump slaps a $100,000 annual fee on every H-1B visa application starting Sept 21, 2025. DHS may waive fees only in “national interest.” A new “Gold Card” visa with $1M fast-track option introduced. Tech firms & Indian IT professionals (70% of H-1B holders) set to face the hardest blow.

In a dramatic policy shift, US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, effective 21 September 2025.

The fee—applicable per application, per year—will drastically increase costs for US employers hiring foreign skilled workers. Previously, H-1B application charges ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

The proclamation, effective for at least 12 months, allows the Department of Homeland Security limited discretion to waive fees in cases of “national interest.”

The Trump administration claims the move will curb dependence on foreign talent and push companies to hire American workers. However, industry experts warn that technology firms, especially those in the US and India, will be hit hardest. Indian professionals, who make up over 70% of H-1B beneficiaries, are expected to face the maximum impact.

Adding to the controversy, the order also introduces a “gold card” visa option—offering priority processing for applicants willing to pay $1 million.

Tech industry groups and immigration advocates are preparing for potential legal challenges. Companies have already issued advisories to employees regarding compliance.

The decision is likely to reshape the H-1B programme and trigger major disruptions in the global tech hiring landscape.