H-1B visa hirings: Local hires, temporary halts & more—How companies are taking alternative routes to avoid $100k fee

Several major US employers have paused or limited the sponsorship for H-1B visas after the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee for new applications. The fee, aimed at new applicants, does not affect current visa holders or renewals. The administration said that the reform is intended to attract highly skilled foreign workers while preventing misuse of the programme to undercut American wages. However, critics argue the fee could deter companies from hiring international talent and reduce America’s competitiveness in technology and innovation, Newsweek reported. The US chamber of commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the fee, describing it as “cost-prohibitive for US employers, especially start-ups and small and midsize businesses.” Fee Details The fee applie