Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee Shakes Global Talent Market

Published: September 22, 2025

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has shocked the world by introducing a massive $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. This sudden move has not only rattled U.S. companies but also sparked a global race for top talent.

What Changed?

On September 19, Trump signed an executive order introducing two big policies:

• A $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which are crucial for skilled foreign workers in the U.S. tech and finance industries.

• A brand-new program called the “Trump Gold Card”, offering permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for anyone investing $1 million in the country.

Why It Matters

For decades, Big Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google have relied heavily on H-1B visas to hire engineers, developers, and researchers — particularly from India and China.

• Amazon alone employed 14,000+ H-1B holders as of June 2025.

• Other tech majors each had over 4,000 visa holders.

Now, this steep fee could make U.S. companies think twice, while other countries see a golden opportunity.

Winners Outside the U.S.

Experts believe this move will boost global talent hubs:

• The U.K. and Europe: already working on lowering visa costs to attract skilled professionals.

• Dubai, China, and Asia: positioning themselves as new destinations for global experts.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering abolishing visa charges for top-tier professionals, a direct contrast to Trump’s policy.

Reactions from Experts

• Charles-Henry Monchau (Syz Group): Warned that the U.S. could lose its edge in innovation.

• Harry Stebbings (20VC): Called this the “greatest opportunity” for Europe to attract talent.

• Barney Hussey-Yeo (Cleo CEO): Said over 1,000 skilled professionals had already contacted him about leaving the U.S. for the U.K.

The U.S. Response   

While some American startups see the fee as “a rounding error” compared to the value skilled workers bring, others fear it may push talent away. Some firms are already using the chaos as a chance to hire, openly inviting disheartened workers to join them.

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👉 In short: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee could slow U.S. innovation while opening the door for the U.K., Europe, and Asia to become the next big magnets for world-class talent.