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- The US White House has allayed fears over the Trump administration’s imposition of $10,000 fee on H-1B visa applications
- White House officials disclosed that those already selected in this year’s lottery are exempt from the new fee
- They disclosed that the surcharge will apply to only new applicants, starting October 1, 2025
Pascal Oparada, a reporter for Legit.ng, has over ten years of experience covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy.
The White House has moved to ease fears over the Trump administration’s new proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, clarifying that the surcharge will apply only to new applicants and not to existing holders or renewals.
The clarification, shared in a post on X, confirmed that those selected in this year’s H-1B lottery are exempt, with the rule taking effect from October 1.
Credit: Bloomberg/Contributor
Source: Facebook
Anxiety in U.S. business circles
The announcement followed days of uncertainty that rattled Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and thousands of foreign workers relying on the visa pathway.
The H-1B programme is a lifeline for American employers in specialised fields like software engineering, healthcare, and research.
Companies including Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon scrambled last week to reassure employees, advising them to avoid foreign travel until the rules were clarified.
Industry groups said the confusion damaged confidence. “The H-1B programme is essential to U.S. global competitiveness,” one representative noted.
“Clarifying that the fee applies only to new applicants is welcome, but the disruption has already unsettled businesses and workers.”
India pushes back
The administration argues the fee is aimed at ensuring the visa system prioritises high-skilled labour while protecting domestic jobs.
India, which supplies over 70% of H-1B visa recipients, voiced strong concerns over the financial and humanitarian impact.
“The mobility and exchange of skilled talent have driven innovation and economic growth in both the United States and India,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said.
He warned that the surcharge could disrupt families and stall innovation-led cooperation.
Indian industry groups are now assessing the policy’s impact, with both governments expected to consult on solutions.
Nigeria and Africa are on alert
While India dominates H-1B numbers, Nigeria is also among the fastest-rising sources of African professionals heading to the U.S. in fields such as technology, healthcare, and finance.
For many, the visa represents not just career growth but also a channel for remittances and skills transfer back home.
Analysts caution that the new fee could discourage talent from developing markets.
Part of a broader immigration crackdown
The $100,000 H-1B fee is only the latest in a series of Trump-era immigration restrictions.
In 2025, Washington revoked more than 6,000 student visas, revived a plan for some visitors to deposit visa bonds of up to $15,000, and tightened background checks by requiring visa applicants to submit five years of social media history.
Together, these measures have fuelled uncertainty for workers and companies navigating one of the world’s most competitive immigration systems.
What comes next?
While the clarification spares existing visa holders, questions remain about the broader direction of U.S. immigration policy.
Businesses remain cautious, watching closely for further adjustments and stricter enforcement.
For India, the priority is diplomatic engagement to protect the pipeline of skilled workers supporting its booming technology industry.
Credit: Bloomberg/Contributor
Source: Getty Images
For Nigeria and other emerging markets, the concern is that rising costs could slow the flow of talent critical to innovation at home.
UK bans foreign recruitment in 100 job roles
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United Kingdom has announced sweeping immigration reforms, removing over 100 job roles from its foreign recruitment list, a move that will affect thousands of Nigerians seeking work opportunities in Britain.
The policy, unveiled by the Home Office on August 30, 2025, is aimed at cutting net migration and prioritising British citizens in the job market.
The new restrictions will hit a wide range of professions, including roles where Nigerians and other migrants have historically sought employment.
Source: Legit.ng
