$100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: U.S. Policy Shake-Up Hits Tech, Healthcare, and Finance Sectors

Published: 06/10/2025 Author: BCM Group

The US government has introduced a $ 100,000 fee for new H1B visa applications, which is effective from September 22, 2025, marking a significant change in immigration policy. The H1B visa full form is “H1B non-migrant visa”, which allows American companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized businesses requiring technical expertise.

Over the years, H-1B visas have been an important tool for American businesses to reach efficient labor, especially in technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering sectors. The new fee has raised questions about the H1B visa requirements and the future of foreign talent recruitment. Many industry experts are asking, “What is H1B visa?” and why this fee could drastically affect businesses relying on foreign expertise.

Sector-wise impact of H1B Visa:

Technology and Startups: Startups and mid-size IT firms have to face immediate freezing. Analysts have warned that high-cost H-1B visas can reduce approval to 50% per month, slowing down innovation and product growth.
Healthcare and Medtech: Hospital and medical technology companies that depend on international talent can struggle to fill special roles, affecting patient care and research initiatives.
Finance and Counseling: Small financial firms may face a lack of talent in data analytics, IT consultation, and risk management, while large corporations can absorb additional costs.
Manufacturing and engineering: Engineering sectors may experience a delay in projects as companies hesitate to hire foreign engineers under the new fee structure.
Education and Research: University and Research Organizations can face challenges in attracting top international students and researchers, potentially limiting innovation and diversity in educational programs.

Economic Implications of H1B Visa:

The fee is likely to reshape the labor market, pushing efficient professionals towards countries such as Canada, Germany, and the UK, offering more favorable visa programs. Economists have warned that restricting H-1 B visa access can slow down US economic growth, reduce innovation, and increase operating costs in many areas.

Conclusion:

The $ 100,000 H-1B visa fee represents a major policy change with immediate and long-term results. Industry, recruitment agencies, and foreign professionals will need to quickly adapt, balancing compliance with the need to maintain competition in the global economy.