Trump Adds $100K Fee for H-1B Visas, Launches $1M Gold Card

Trump Adds $100K Fee for H-1B Visas, Launches $1M Gold Card

President Trump on Friday signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas for highly-skilled foreign workers and unveiled a $1 million “gold card” visa offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals. The moves are expected to face legal challenges and widespread criticism for bypassing Congress.

The changes dramatically increase costs for visas that were previously far lower: the H-1B fee jumps from $215, and investor visa fees rise from $10,000–$20,000 annually. H-1B visas, requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, are commonly used in the tech industry to fill positions that U.S. companies struggle to staff. Critics argue the program has allowed companies to hire overseas workers at salaries well below typical U.S. tech wages.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that tech companies would support the change, claiming the higher fees will encourage firms to hire and train American workers instead. The proclamation also introduces a “Trump Platinum Card” for $5 million, allowing foreigners to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. without paying taxes on non-U.S. income. Companies can sponsor employees under the gold card for $2 million, while individual applicants can secure U.S. citizenship for $1 million after vetting.

While the administration predicts a significant drop in H-1B visa applications due to cost, tech industry representatives from companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta have not commented, and Microsoft declined to respond. Legal experts expect lawsuits challenging the president’s authority to implement such fees without Congressional approval.

Key Takeaways

1. H-1B visa fees skyrocket: From $215 to $100,000 annually, aiming to reduce foreign worker reliance.

2. Gold and Platinum visas introduced: $1M–$5M investor visas offer paths to U.S. citizenship and extended stays.

3. Potential legal and industry pushback: Critics argue the moves sidestep Congress and may face court challenges.

Read the full article at AP News.