20 tech giants that could be hit hardest by President Donald Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fees

A recent executive order by former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, introducing a staggering $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. This change affects a crucial pathway for tech companies to recruit skilled talent from around the globe, particularly engineers who are essential for innovation. In the wake of this announcement, affected employees and legal experts found themselves rushing to understand the implications of the new policies. Major companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, quickly advised their H-1B visa holders to either remain in the U.S. or return from abroad within a tight 24-hour window. The administration clarified that the elevated fees would only pertain to new applicants, exempting renewals and current H-1B holders from the financial burden. Officials justified the fee increase as a means to curb misuse of the visa system while encouraging the training of American workers. The response to the policy has been mixed. Some industry leaders, such as Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, have welcomed the changes, suggesting they could eliminate the current lottery system that limits H-1B approvals to 85,000 annually. However, concerns have emerged regarding the potential impact on cash-strapped startups and fears that the policy could inadvertently lead to job losses overseas. Business Insider conducted an analysis of public data from the Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to identify which companies had the highest numbers of H-1B visa approvals in 2025. Notably, Bloomberg, Intel, and Nvidia chose not to comment on this developing situation, while other firms did not respond to inquiries. The tech sector is now left to navigate the uncertain waters created by this significant policy shift, with a collective hope that the ramifications will not stifle innovation or talent acquisition in the industry.