From September 21, 2025, the U.S. government will require a $100,000 one-time fee for new H-1B visa applications. The Trump administration clarified that this is not an annual charge, but a single payment for eligibility. As per the news reports, the announcement has created concern in sectors that hire large numbers of foreign workers.
According to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Amazon had the highest number of H-1B visa approvals in fiscal 2025, reaching 10,044 by June 30, 2025. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) followed with 5,505 approvals, continuing its presence as a top user of the program.
Other major employers included Microsoft (5,189), Meta Platforms (5,123), Apple (4,202), and Google (4,181). The top 10 list also featured Cognizant Technology Solutions (2,493), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2,440), Walmart (2,390), and Deloitte Consulting (2,353).
Government reports show that almost two-thirds of H-1B visas are issued for roles in computer-related occupations. These positions typically involve software engineering, IT services, and research. Records since 2009 confirm that U.S. firms across industries have repeatedly used the program to bring in high-skilled workers.
Indian nationals continue to account for the majority of H-1B recipients. In recent years, India’s share has been about 71% of total approvals. China is the second-largest source country, with around 11.7%. These two countries make up most of the visa pool for highly skilled workers.
The Trump administration has said that the fee increase is for encouraging companies to hire more U.S. graduates. Reports indicate that the officials have framed the move as a measure to ensure American workers are considered first for high-skilled roles.
Read more: After US Hikes H-1B Visa Fee, China to Launch K-Visa to Attract Global talent!
The H-1B visa remains an important channel for companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and TCS to fill specialised roles. With the introduction of the $100,000 fee, the number and distribution of applications may change in the years ahead.
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Published on: Sep 25, 2025, 12:39 PM IST
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