$100,000 Visa Fee: A Potential Opportunity for Laid-Off H-1B Tech Workers?
Donald Trump’s recent increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 for new applicants may inadvertently benefit tech workers who have been laid off from major companies like Oracle, Intel, Microsoft, and AWS. This fee hike could prompt employers to consider hiring these individuals, who are currently navigating a challenging job market. With significant layoffs affecting nearly 145,000 tech workers since the beginning of 2025, many are now looking for new opportunities within a limited timeframe.
Impact of Layoffs in the Tech Industry
The tech industry has seen a staggering number of layoffs recently, with 533 rounds of job cuts impacting 144,926 individuals, according to data from Trueup. In 2024 alone, there were 1,115 rounds of layoffs, affecting 238,461 professionals. This trend has raised concerns about job security among tech workers, particularly those on H-1B visas. Individuals holding these visas who find themselves laid off have a 60-day window to secure new employment or leave the United States. This situation has created a sense of urgency for many, as they strive to find new roles before their visa status is jeopardized.
Opportunities for Rehiring
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for laid-off tech workers. Navneet S Chugh, an attorney at Chugh LLC, noted that some individuals may receive callbacks from their previous employers. The recent fee increase has led to a renewed sense of optimism among those affected. One product manager from California, who lost their job in September, expressed hope after hearing about the fee changes, stating they are actively applying for new positions. Experts believe that many laid-off professionals may receive attractive offers from other companies, creating a pool of talent that is readily available for critical roles in technology and engineering.
Employer Perspectives on H-1B Visa Changes
Major corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Google are expected to adapt to the new H-1B visa fee structure more easily than smaller firms, as they can absorb the increased costs associated with hiring skilled professionals. The $100,000 fee aligns with the average annual salary for employees hired through this program. However, the impact of these changes on companies remains uncertain. Debarghya Das, a partner at Menlo Ventures, indicated that IT services firms and those offering lower wages might struggle more with the fee increase, which could account for a significant portion of H-1B applications.
Long-Term Implications for Tech Hiring
The long-term effects of the H-1B visa fee hike on tech hiring practices are still being assessed. Many technology companies maintain a relatively small percentage of their workforce on H-1B visas, with most applications being for renewals rather than new hires. For instance, Microsoft reported fewer than 2,000 new H-1B applications last year, which translates to a significant financial commitment but represents only a minor increase in their overall research and development spending. As the industry adapts to these changes, the future of H-1B hiring will likely depend on how companies navigate the new fee structure while continuing to attract top talent.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
