The US government is increasing the H-1B visa fees, with the aim of protecting American jobs. The White House stated that the decision comes as a result of American tech companies laying off American employees and replacing them with foreign workers. The Trump administration has consistently advocated for prioritizing American citizens in job opportunities.
The White House cited data showing that some companies have been utilizing the H-1B program extensively while simultaneously reducing their American workforce. For example, one company was granted 5,189 H-1B visas while laying off 16,000 American workers. Another company with 1,698 approvals cut 2,400 jobs in Oregon. A third company with 25,075 H-1B visas reduced its US workforce by 27,000 since 2022. The administration further highlighted concerns over alleged practices where American IT employees were compelled to train foreign workers.
The increase in H-1B fees is intended to make it more costly for companies to hire foreign professionals, thus encouraging them to hire American workers instead. The policy aligns with the ‘America First’ agenda, which the administration has been promoting. This fee increase applies only to new applications, not renewals or existing visa holders.