Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000 in Immigration Crackdown

U.S. President Donald Trump is sharply increasing the cost of the H-1B visa, commonly used by high-tech workers from India, to $100,000, a U.S. official confirmed.

The steep hike — up from less than $1,000 — is part of Trump’s broader push against immigration since returning to the White House, though until now the H-1B program, a cornerstone for Silicon Valley, had largely been left untouched. Bloomberg News first reported the planned fee increase.

The administration also intends to introduce measures to stop foreign tech workers from driving down wages for American employees.

Each year, the U.S. issues 85,000 H-1B visas through a lottery system, with Indians receiving about 75 percent of them. Major technology companies rely heavily on Indian professionals, whether relocating permanently or working between the two countries.

Prominent tech leaders, including Elon Musk — once a Trump ally — have cautioned against restricting H-1B visas, arguing the U.S. lacks enough domestic talent to fill key roles in the technology sector.

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