Trump Wants Companies to Pay $100,000 a Year for H-1B Visas: What It Means for OFWs

Filipinos eyeing jobs in the US may soon find it tougher. Trump’s new rule makes companies pay $100,000 per H-1B visa, raising the bar for foreign workers.

Donald Trump has just shaken up the US visa system again. His administration announced that companies must now pay $100,000 (around ₱5.7 million) per year for every H-1B visa — the same visa many foreign workers, including Filipinos, use to land jobs in America.

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The H-1B is a temporary US work permit that allows companies to hire highly educated foreign professionals in specialised fields. Key facts:

• Covers jobs in IT, healthcare, engineering, and other specialised fields

• Valid for three years, extendable up to six years

• Around 730,000 holders currently in the US, plus 550,000 dependents

• 85,000 new visas available each year through a lottery system

• Previously cost companies only a few thousand dollars in total

Also read: PH Travellers Safe from New US Visa Bond Rule

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The new rule requires employers to pay $100,000 (around ₱5.7 million) every year for each new H-1B visa holder. That is a massive leap from the previous costs, which only reached a few thousand dollars depending on the case.

The administration has announced a dramatic new fee structure for H-1B visas:

• Employers must now pay $100,000 per year for each new H-1B visa holder

• The fee applies only to new applicants

• Existing H-1B holders and renewals are not affected

• Previous costs ranged from about $1,700 to $4,500, depending on the case

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the change is designed to stop companies from abusing the programme and undercutting American workers. Trump defended the new fee, saying it will protect jobs and help reduce US debt and taxes.

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The change immediately rattled the tech industry. Silicon Valley firms warned staff not to travel while waiting for clarity, while shares of companies relying heavily on H-1B workers dropped after the announcement.

India, which accounts for more than 70 percent of all H-1B visas, called out the humanitarian consequences for families and stressed that worker exchange has benefited both nations. Economists also warned of weaker growth, fewer foreign talents in the US, and a possible brain drain that could advantage rival countries like China.

Some business leaders, however, supported the move. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings said the higher fee might reduce uncertainty in the H-1B lottery and ensure that only the most valuable jobs are filled.

Also read: US Visa Interview Waivers for Some Filipinos Narrow Starting September 2

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Filipino professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare have long viewed the H-1B as a gateway to stable jobs in the US. With the new $100,000 fee, companies might think twice about sponsoring foreign hires. That could shrink opportunities for Filipinos hoping to build careers in America.

This reflection comes from how the policy is expected to affect all foreign applicants, not just Filipinos. Since the new costs fall on employers, firms may prioritise American workers or reserve visas only for candidates they consider absolutely critical.

Also read: US Visa Integrity Fee: Guide for Filipino Travellers Effective October 2025

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The H-1B fee hike is part of Trump’s wider immigration crackdown. At the same time, he signed an order to create a so-called “gold card,” offering permanent residency to anyone who can pay $1 million.

For Filipinos, the message is clear: getting into the US job market will not be easy, and competition will be tougher. If you are planning a career move, it may be wise to explore other destinations where foreign talent is still actively welcomed.

Featured Image credit: Canva Pro; Trump photo from libraryofcongress | Unsplash