The new rules for H-1B visa applications have been met with mixed reactions from various groups. A $100,000 fee for new petitions has been imposed, which will affect both foreign nationals and American workers. The rule change also tilts the lottery in favor of high-paid applicants.
International students and early-stage startups face reduced chances under the new system. Large tech companies like Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Google stand to benefit from the wage-based system. These companies can absorb the $100,000 fee and are likely to get priority access to top talent.
However, equity-heavy but cash-poor startups will struggle to compete with large enterprises that can afford to pay high wages. Immigration lawyers say these startups may be forced to reduce their salaries or find alternative ways to attract top talent.
The new rules have also sparked concerns about the impact on American software developers. With the tech industry shedding jobs and automation taking over coding tasks, some companies may pull back from hiring foreign talent.
Overall, the new H-1B visa rules create a complex landscape where winners and losers emerge. The Trump administration’s goal of protecting American workers is being tested, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/h1b-visa-lottery-new-rules-salary-big-tech-students-2025-12