H-1B $100k visa fee won’t apply to current holders, White House says

After President Donald Trump on Friday took moves to reshape the H-1B visa program, a White House official is clarifying some of the details. 

Here’s what to know about the work visas, and how Trump’s proclamation could affect thousands of workers:

What is an H-1B visa?

Big picture view:

The H-1b visa is a non-immigrant work visa that lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers with particular skills for a specific time. These visas are created for people who are in industries that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Typically, the jobs are in fields like technology, finance, engineering, and architecture, according to the American Immigration Council. 

By the numbers:

Historically, H-1B visas have been doled out through lottery. This year, Amazon was by far the top recipient of H-1B visas with more than 10,000 awarded, followed by Tata Consultancy, Microsoft, Apple and Google. Geographically, California has the highest number of H-1B workers. 

Dig deeper:

Some well-known figures in American politics have held H-1B visas, including Melania Trump and Elon Musk. 

H-1B visa $100k fee

What we know:

Trump signed a proclamation that would require companies to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, in a dramatic price increase from $215.

READ MORE: Trump signs proclamation updating H-1B visa rules

What we didn’t know:

Details of how the fee would be administered weren’t immediately clear at the beginning of the weekend, causing panic and confusion for current H-1B visa holders – especially those who were traveling internationally and fearful of complications trying to re-enter the U.S. But White House Press Secretary Karolie Leavitt clarified on Saturday that the new fee wouldn’t be applied to existing holders or renewals - only new applicants. 

Additionally, she clarified current H-1B visa holders who were traveling internationally could still re-enter the country and would not be charged. 

For context:

Microsoft, JPMorgan and Amazon responded to the announcement by advising employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the United States, according to internal emails reviewed by Reuters.

What they're saying:

"To be clear," Leavitt’s post on X Saturday afternoon started, she said the fee is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition for new visa holders, and that it will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle. 

This fact sheet from the White House accompanied her tweet. 

Meanwhile:

The fee is expected to face legal challenges as it could add millions of dollars in costs for companies, and deter the attraction of skilled workers to the U.S. 

India’s foreign ministry said the move also has potential to disrupt families, and may have humanitarian consequences. 

For context:

More than 70% of H-1B visa holders are from India, according to Pew Research. 

Trump gold card

Big picture view:

Trump also rolled out a $1 million "gold card" visa as a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals. For companies, it will cost $2 million to sponsor an employee.

Dig deeper:

Trump also announced the "Trump Platinum Card" for $5 million, which would allow foreigners to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income. Trump announced a $5 million gold card in February to replace an existing investor visa — this is now the platinum card.

ImmigrationPoliticsTechnologyDonald J. Trump