In an unexpected turn of events for the U.S. tech workforce, Amazon has sent an urgent note to employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas, asking them to stay put in the United States or return immediately if they’re abroad. The advisory comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which will impose a staggering $100,000 annual fee on each H-1B visa, starting September 21, 2025.
The message from Amazon is simple and clear: if you’re on an H-1B visa and already in the U.S., stay there for now. If you’re outside the country, the company recommends returning before midnight on September 21, Eastern Daylight Time. Other major players in the tech world, including Microsoft and JPMorgan, have issued similar guidance, signaling just how significant this policy shift is for foreign workers in the United States.
What This $100,000 Fee Means
H-1B visas are a lifeline for highly skilled foreign professionals, especially in the tech industry. Traditionally, applying for an H-1B involves nominal fees, and if selected in the visa lottery, the total cost over the three-year term would only amount to a few thousand dollars. Trump’s new executive order turns that on its head. Companies now face a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B worker, a move that experts warn could disrupt hiring patterns across the tech sector.
The Trump administration argues that some employers have abused the H-1B program to keep wages low and prioritize foreign labor over American workers. It was echoed by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that businesses should “train Americans first” instead of depending too much on foreign workers. Critics counter, though, that this increased cost surge might prove to be counterproductive, as businesses might end up short-staffed in filling highly specialized positions that perhaps only local talent might not be able to support.
A Global Workforce in Limbo
India and China have been the biggest recipients of the H-1B program. Indians received 71% of H-1B approvals last year, and Chinese professionals took up almost 12%. With this new $100,000 fee, most companies will reconsider their recruitment strategies, which could affect thousands of employees and reduce the rate of growth of U.S. tech firms that depend on international talent.
For employees, the implications are immediate and personal. Microsoft has urged its H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the U.S. before the deadline, warning that international travel could complicate their status under the new rules. Similarly, JPMorgan’s immigration counsel has advised visa holders to stay in the U.S. until further notice.
The suddenness of the policy has left many employees scrambling. With less than 24 hours’ notice from some advisories, individuals are weighing flights, family logistics, and work commitments while navigating an increasingly complex immigration landscape.
Industry Reaction
Technology firms and international business groups have been loud in their criticism of the problems that this policy creates. Nasscom, India’s IT industry association, cautioned that the new charge could derail U.S.-based projects from Indian companies and raise operating expenses substantially. South Korea’s foreign ministry also said it plans to evaluate the effects on its professionals in the United States, noting that the ripple effects are global in nature.
Experts warn that the policy could have long-term effects in addition to short-term disruptions. By making foreign workers prohibitively costly, American businesses could be unable to hire the best brains required for innovation and could see growth in key tech industries slowed. Navigating the Uncertainty
For now, H-1B and H-4 visa holders employed by Amazon, Microsoft, and other tech giants face a period of uncertainty. The advice is clear: stay in the U.S. if you’re already here, and if you’re abroad, return before the September 21 deadline to avoid jeopardizing your visa status. Beyond that, many are waiting to see whether the policy will face legal challenges or adjustments.
What is clear, though, is that U.S. immigration policy is under scrutiny like never before. For thousands of overseas professionals, the next few days will mean difficult choices and rapid action. For businesses, it’s a reminder of how profoundly policy developments can impact operations, workforce planning, and global talent strategy.
In an increasingly shifting environment, staying up-to-date and moving swiftly has never been more essential.
