Facing a looming deadline, Microsoft has issued a critical advisory to its workforce holding H-1B and H-4 visas. The urgency stems from impending changes introduced by the Trump administration, set to take effect September 21. These changes include a substantial $100,000 annual fee per H-1B visa, compelling Microsoft to urge affected employees to return to the U.S. immediately. An internal communication, as reported by Reuters, also advises those already stateside to remain in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.
The directive underscores the financial implications of the new executive order signed on September 19. Trump anticipates a positive reception from the tech sector, despite the added costs. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocates for prioritizing American graduates in training programs, reducing reliance on foreign labor. White House staff secretary Will Scharf contends the increased fees will ensure that H-1B visa recipients possess specialized skills not readily found among American workers, addressing concerns of misuse within the H-1B program.
Government data indicates that India remains the primary beneficiary of H-1B visas, accounting for 71% of approvals, with China following at 11.7%. In the first half of 2025, Amazon (including AWS) received over 12,000 H-1B visa approvals, while Microsoft and Meta each secured more than 5,000, highlighting the tech industry’s continued reliance on the program.
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