President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas.
Trump’s administration said the development was aimed at curbing overuse of the program and prioritizing American workers.
Announcing the measure from the Oval Office, the US President said the policy would encourage companies to hire U.S. workers while maintaining a pathway for highly skilled foreign professionals.
The order restricts entry under the program unless the fee is paid.
In a separate directive, Trump introduced a “gold card” immigration pathway that would fast-track visas for immigrants who pay $1 million. Companies sponsoring foreign workers would be able to pay $2 million to expedite applications.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the administration settled on the $100,000 annual fee, plus vetting costs, after consultations with businesses.
He added that the Department of Homeland Security is still determining whether the $300,000 will be collected upfront or in yearly installments.
The H-1B visa, valid for three years and renewable for another three, allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields.
The new measures mark the latest step in Trump’s immigration crackdown, which has previously targeted foreign worker programs and divided opinion among his supporters.
