In a significant policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at reshaping the landscape of skilled immigration. One of the most controversial aspects of this move is the dramatic increase in the H-1B visa application fee, which has been raised to an unprecedented $100,000. This decision, enacted on September 19, 2025, has created a wave of uncertainty among companies reliant on the H-1B program, particularly those in the technology and financial sectors.
The new rule, which took effect shortly thereafter, mandates that businesses must pay this steep fee to secure visas for skilled foreign workers. As a result, many organizations are grappling with the implications of such a hefty financial burden, with the potential to stifle innovation and growth. Historically, companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Google have turned to the H-1B program to fill critical roles, employing thousands of individuals from talent-rich countries such as India and China.
India has responded sharply to this policy, voicing concerns about its potential humanitarian implications. As Indian officials express their dismay, experts are also considering how these changes might open the door for competing global talent hubs in regions such as Europe and Asia. Charles-Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at Syz Group, indicated that while the change might prove painful for American innovation, it could benefit countries eager to attract skilled professionals seeking alternative opportunities.
Monchau noted that despite the H-1B fee increase, the financial impact on major tech firms may be relatively modest. For instance, as of June 2025, Amazon had more than 14,000 H-1B visa holders, while companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Google each had over 4,000. With the U.S. becoming more stringent, Monchau foresees potential growth for countries like the U.K., Dubai, and China, which might capitalize on the situation to welcome offshore talent.
Harry Stebbings, founder of 20VC, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the U.K. should take proactive measures, such as fast-tracking visas for high-skilled workers, to position itself as a global talent hub. Reports indicate that the U.K. is considering options to eliminate some visa fees for top professionals, contrasting sharply with the recent U.S. developments. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly supports this initiative, aiming to attract high-skilled talent in fields such as science, research, and technology.
The response from tech entrepreneurs in the U.K. has been enthusiastic. Barney Hussey-Yeo, CEO of AI startup Cleo, highlighted the surge in inquiries from top-tier U.S.-educated professionals looking to relocate. With over a thousand direct messages received from skilled workers considering leaving the U.S., Hussey-Yeo described the situation as creating an “unprecedented opportunity” for the U.K. to become a preferred destination for global talent.
While some U.S. firms are adapting to the new business environment created by the visa fee hike, others are seeing it as a chance to strengthen their recruiting strategies. For instance, Shahriar Tajbakhsh, the co-founder of San Francisco-based Metaview, took to social media to promote his company’s hiring efforts in light of the changes, declaring that for his organization, the $100,000 fee is a “rounding error” compared to the value generated by their team.
As companies navigate these new regulations and international talent pools begin to open up, the long-term implications of the Trump administration’s executive orders on the U.S. workforce and global immigration landscape remain to be seen, leaving many stakeholders anxious about the path forward.
