NEW: Trump Announces Massive Overhaul Of H-1B Visa System

The Trump Administration is planning to add a $100,000 to the fee for H-1B visa applications, marking a massive overhaul of the system aimed at protecting American workers.

The H-1B visa is separate from the O-1 visa, which is reserved for immigrants with “extraordinary” abilities.

Those critical of the current state of the H-1B visa program have pointed to the fact that companies have laid off American workers in favor of paying foreigners at lower rates. During a flare-up over the issue last December, critics pointed out that companies are seeking H-1B visas for jobs that fall well below the threshold of the “high-skilled” worker, as companies have been caught seeking immigrants for cashier positions, assistant track coaches, and entry level accountants.

Wake Forest University has sought to fill several low-level positions with immigrant workers

H-1B visa applications currently ranging from about $1,700 to $4,500, depending on whether the visa is expedited, which is more expensive. The fees are typically considered a business expense of the employer.

H-1B visas are typically issued for an initial period of up to 3 years, though they can be extended for an additional 3 years, allowing a maximum stay of 6 years in H-1B status. Once enacted, Trump’s proclamation will raise the bar for acquiring an H-1B visa by orders of magnitude, while also making it exceedingly more difficult for current holders to apply for successful renewal.

Tech companies have been among the primary beneficiaries of the visa program, with Amazon receiving the most H1-B visas of any business in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. In order to receive an H-1B visa, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree and have been offered a temporary job by a U.S. firm.

President Trump could sign the proclamation as early as Friday, which would restrict H-1B workers from entering the U.S. unless they were able to pay through $100,000 fee, Bloomberg reported.

Trump will also be instructing Labor Secretary Chavez DeRemer to implement a new rule-making process that would update wage levels for the program, Bloomberg reported. Currently, U.S. companies must offer the prevailing wage or the actual wage of similarly qualified workers, whichever is higher, according to Labor Department guidelines.