Foreign workers in America are rushing to return before the visa fee is raised to $100,000.
The new regulations from U.S. President Donald Trump, which impose hefty fees on work visas, have caused a major shock within American companies, prompting them to send urgent instructions to their foreign employees. According to reports, several companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan, and Meta, have asked their employees to stay in the United States or return immediately if they are outside the country.
The increase in fees specifically targets H-1B visa holders for highly skilled foreign professionals. Under the new rules, the annual cost of these visas will rise to $100,000 (approximately €85,000), which is a significant increase compared to the current fees that do not exceed a few thousand dollars. Companies fear that bringing foreign employees back to the United States will become prohibitively expensive or even impossible after they leave.
The H-1B program is particularly important for technology companies that heavily rely on international talent, especially from India. According to government data reported by The New York Times, over 10,000 H-1B visas were approved for Amazon in the first half of 2025 alone, while Microsoft and Meta each received over 5,000 visas. The visas are temporary but essential for the operational needs of these companies.
The new regulations are set to take effect on Sunday at 6:00 AM Central European Summer Time, prompting companies to move quickly. According to reports, companies have instructed employees who are unlikely to meet the deadline not to enter the United States until further notice, highlighting the urgency and disruption caused by the new rules.
Some of Trump's allies criticize the H-1B program, arguing that it is misused and leads to American workers losing jobs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that higher fees would force companies to evaluate whether the foreign candidate is worth the additional cost, which could lead to a preference for hiring American workers. At the same time, Trump also signed the "Trump Gold Card" decree, which allows for permanent residency in the United States in exchange for paying one million dollars.