Explained: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: Could 66,000 Jobs Disappear Annually?

The Trump administration’s plan to impose a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications could disrupt the US job market for skilled foreign workers, especially Indian professionals who make up over 70% of H-1B holders. Economists warn this unprecedented hike may reduce as many as 5,500 visa approvals monthly, translating to 66,000 lost jobs annually. Mid-level tech and consulting roles are expected to be hit the hardest, while companies may reconsider offshore hiring strategies. In this explainer, we break down the numbers, the sectors most at risk, the government’s justification, and the broader consequences for US competitiveness.