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Microsoft H-1B Visa Annual Fee: US tech companies, including Microsoft, have asked employees with H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the United States before September 21. From that date, a new rule announced by President Donald Trump will require a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa, which will remain in effect for one year.
Reports suggest that firms like Microsoft and JPMorgan have told H-1B workers already in the US to continue working there and avoid international travel until further notice. Microsoft has also recommended that H-4 visa holders remain in the country. The company reportedly said, “We strongly recommend H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US tomorrow before the deadline.” However, no official statement has been released by either Microsoft or JPMorgan.
US President Donald Trump’s Revised Visa Fee Programme
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According to President Donald Trump, the revised visa fee programme could generate more than $100 billion for the US Treasury, which would be used for debt reduction and tax cuts. Critics argue, however, that the policy could restrict talent mobility and hurt innovation.
71% Of H-1B Visa Holders Are From India
Approximately 71 per cent of H-1B visa holders are from India, primarily working for technology companies including Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and Tata Consultancy Services. The shares of major IT services firms, including US-listed Indian companies, dropped by 2 per cent to 5 per cent following the announcement.
H-1B Visa Validity And Annual Fee
With visas typically valid for three years and renewable up to six, the new $100,000 annual fee could make it expensive for companies to retain Indian professionals, especially given the decades-long wait for Green Cards. The H-1B programme allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers in fields like technology and engineering.
