20 startups that could be hit hardest by the new $100,000 H-1B visa fees

A significant shift in the landscape of foreign worker visas has emerged, as the Trump administration has introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications. This executive order, signed recently, aims to address concerns regarding the displacement of U.S. workers. In a week marked by rapid policy changes, startups across the tech industry are feeling the pressure. The administration has proposed that H-1B visa approvals should be based on skill levels and wage criteria, moving away from the existing randomized lottery system. There are also discussions about potential exemptions for certain professions, such as healthcare workers. This upheaval poses challenges for many startups, which rely on H-1B visas to recruit skilled foreign talent, particularly engineers and technical specialists. Some entrepreneurs and venture capitalists are looking beyond U.S. borders, considering tech hubs in Canada and the U.K. as viable alternatives, while others are optimistic that the new pay-for-play model could attract top-tier professionals. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, weighed in on the changes, stating, "We need to get the smartest people in the country, and streamlining that process while aligning financial incentives seems beneficial." A review of data from the Department of Labor and USCIS reveals which startups have received the most H-1B visa approvals this year. However, these numbers do not necessarily reflect the current number of employees holding H-1B visas at these companies. Notable startups such as Databricks, Cohesity, Stripe, Gusto, Plaid, and Deel have not commented on this issue, while Magic Leap is closely monitoring the executive order to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Here are some startups and their certified H-1B approvals: - **Brex**: 1,360 approvals, 120,000 employees globally, nearly $19 billion in funding. - **Zipline**: 248 approvals, 8,000 employees, over $15 billion in funding. - **Nuro**: 151 approvals, 9,000 employees, $2.2 billion in funding. - **Verkada**: 76 approvals, 4,500 employees, nearly $35 billion in funding. - **Rivos**: 65 approvals, 6,000 employees, nearly $2 billion in funding. As the situation evolves, many startups are left navigating the complexities of visa regulations while seeking to maintain their competitive edge in the tech sector.