Trump administration officials are considering a plan to charge skilled workers more than $100,000 for certain visas, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The proposed fee would apply to the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
The plan follows legal setbacks the administration faced last year when it attempted to introduce a similar fee on the same visa category. Courts blocked that effort, citing concerns over the administration’s authority to impose such charges.
Under the new proposal, the higher fee would target a subset of H-1B applicants, likely those with higher income potential or advanced skills. Officials argue the charge reflects the economic value these workers bring to U.S. employers.
Critics of the proposal say the fee would make it harder for smaller companies to hire foreign talent. Larger firms, they argue, could absorb the cost, creating an uneven playing field in the labor market.
Supporters within the administration view the fee as a way to fund workforce training programs for American workers. They also frame it as a measure to prioritize high-skilled immigration that aligns with national economic interests.
The proposal has not been finalized, and details could change before any formal rule is issued. If enacted, it would face a public comment period and likely another round of legal scrutiny.
Immigration attorneys have already signaled they would challenge the fee, arguing it exceeds the government’s statutory authority. Previous court rulings on similar visa fees may set precedent for such a challenge.
The H-1B program remains a contentious issue in U.S. immigration policy. The administration has repeatedly sought to tighten eligibility and raise costs, while business groups push back against measures they say hinder competitiveness.
No timeline has been announced for when the proposal might move forward. The White House has not issued a public statement on the matter.
