Tech Giants Urge H-1B Visa Holders to Remain in US as Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee for New Applications

Major tech corporations, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have advised employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the U.S., following President Trump’s recent changes to H-1B visa applications.

The White House revealed on Friday that Trump had signed an order mandating employers to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. In response, these tech giants reportedly sent emails to their employees, urging those with H-1B visas to stay in the U.S. and postpone any foreign travel until further notice. Employees currently abroad are encouraged to return before the proclamation takes effect at 12:01 am Eastern on Sunday.

Business Insider obtained memos from Amazon and Microsoft, while sources published a similar memo from Google. A Microsoft representative declined to comment, while requests for comments have been sent to both Amazon and Google.

As per government data, Amazon employees have received the most H-1B visas so far this fiscal year, with Tata Consultancy Services in second place, followed by Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google.

However, a White House official told Axios that the fee will only apply to new applicants, not existing H-1B holders or renewals. Additionally, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated via X that “H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do so remains unaffected by yesterday’s proclamation.”

This article has been updated with a quote from Karoline Leavitt.