The H-1b visa is one of the most widely used US work permits for highly skilled professionals. It’s typically valid for three years, renewable for another three, and each year the government issues 65,000 new visas, plus an additional 20,000 for workers with advanced US degrees. Demand is so high that the program relies on a lottery system. 

But now, big changes are underway.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive action imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1b applications filed from outside the United States. (To be clear, that requirement does not apply to current visa holders or renewals.)

Officials say the measure is designed to curb overuse of the program and push companies to “Train Americans first.” But critics warn it could make it harder for industries like tech and healthcare to attract the global talent they rely on – raising questions about U.S. competitiveness.

This is a seismic shift in the H-1b landscape, and its full impact is only beginning to be understood.