On September 21, a new US executive order slashed into the heart of global innovation: it hikes the annual fee for employers sponsoring H-1B visas to a staggering $100,000. For many in Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, and beyond, that figure has sparked disbelief—and a scramble to understand what comes next.
What Is the H-1B Program?
Launched in 1990, the H-1B program lets US companies hire foreign talent for "specialty occupations" such as software engineering, biotech R&D, and advanced financial modeling. Each year, 85,000 new visas are up for grabs (65,000 general cap, plus 20,000 for master’s degree holders), driving fierce competition among global applicants.
Winners and Losers
- Big Tech’s Budget: Giants with deep pockets may absorb the extra cost, but could push budgets elsewhere.
- Startups at Risk: Smaller ventures rely on lean teams and global talent. A six-figure fee per hire can derail growth plans.
- Global Talent Pipeline: Skilled professionals from India, the Chinese mainland, and other tech hubs may face reduced opportunities—and might look to Canada, Europe, or emerging Asian markets for greener pastures.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a US policy shift—it’s a potential tremor in the global tech ecosystem. For businesses, it raises tough questions around hiring, budgets, and growth strategies. For the thousands of applicants who log on to H-1B portals every spring, it adds a new layer of uncertainty.
As the clock ticks toward September 21, companies and candidates alike are retooling their playbooks. One thing’s clear: in a world where talent knows no borders, a $100,000 hurdle could redraw the map of innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
