H-1B costs soar by $100,000. How much will employers really pay?

The Trump administration signed an executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for companies hiring foreign workers under the program. The move could significantly raise costs for employers seeking foreign talent.

Current fees
At present, companies pay $215 to register for the H-1B lottery and $780 for Form I-129, a petition filed by an employer sponsor. The new fee represents a sharp increase, though it is not yet clear whether the $100,000 applies per applicant or for specific types of petitions.

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Impact on US companies and H-1B hiring
Experts say the high fee could discourage companies from applying for H-1B visas, especially start-ups and smaller businesses that may struggle to cover the cost. Fewer applications could be filed, which may reduce opportunities for foreign workers.


For American tech workers, the change may be beneficial as companies might prioritize hiring US talent over foreign employees.

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The H-1B program has often been used to hire foreign workers at lower wages for entry-level positions, which can save money compared to hiring Americans. With the $100,000 fee, hiring foreign employees becomes equally costly, potentially making H-1B sponsorship less attractive.

The move comes amid calls to end the H-1B program or reform it to focus on high-wage, high-skill applicants. The administration has previously suggested cancelling the lottery system and increasing wage thresholds to favour American graduates for entry-level roles.