Microsoft Urges H-1B, H-4 Visa Staff Return Ahead Of US $100K Fee Increase

Following President Trump's announcement of a $100,000 annual fee hike on H-1B visas, Microsoft has advised its H-1B and H-4 visa holders to remain in the United States for the foreseeable future. The company has strongly recommended that those currently outside the US return by the September 21, 2025 deadline to avoid complications. This guidance reflects concerns among major tech firms, including JPMorgan, about the impact of the new visa fee on their workforce. The fee increase is part of a broader administration effort to prioritize American workers by reducing the use of lower-paid foreign labor through the H-1B program. The policy change is expected to have significant implications for the Indian IT sector, as nearly 71% of H-1B visa holders are Indian nationals. Microsoft’s internal communication underscores the urgency and uncertainty faced by companies reliant on skilled foreign workers amid this regulatory shift.