US $100K H-1B Visa Fee Expected to Shift Global Tech Talent to Asia and UK

The Trump administration's decision to increase the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 aims to prioritize American jobs but has sparked concerns about its impact on the US tech industry and global talent flow. The fee hike is seen as a deterrent to hiring foreign professionals, potentially pushing top talent to alternative hubs such as Singapore, China, and Canada, which are adjusting their immigration policies to attract skilled workers. Critics warn that the fee increase could lead to a brain drain, undermining US competitiveness in technology and innovation, as many tech leaders, including prominent CEOs, began their careers on H-1B visas. Indian tech workers and students, who constitute a large share of H-1B recipients, are particularly affected, with worries about career prospects and talent retention. The move also intensifies global competition for tech talent as countries like China launch new visa programs and others consider reducing visa fees to attract skilled immigrants. While proponents argue the fee hike addresses program abuses and protects American workers, many in the tech sector fear it will narrow the talent pool and harm the broader US economy.