US President Donald Trump has raised the H-1B work visa application fee for highly skilled workers to $100,000. In addition, a new programme allowing foreigners to obtain a “Golden Card” residency permit for $1 million has been approved.
US President Donald Trump has introduced a significant change to the H-1B work visa programme, which allows highly skilled foreign workers to be employed in the country. Speaking at a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump announced that companies would now pay $100,000 for each H-1B visa application.
Trump stated, “Our country needs great workers. This programme will allow us to keep them, and companies will pay a substantial price for it.” He noted that technology giants, in particular, would be “happy” with this change, emphasising that the system would increase efficiency.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stressed that the programme could no longer be used for low-cost labour. Lutnick said, “If you want to train someone, train Americans graduating from our universities. Stop bringing in foreigners to take our jobs.”
“Golden Card” Programme: Residency for $1 Million
Trump also launched the “Golden Card” programme, which allows foreigners to obtain US residency by paying $1 million. According to the decree shared by the White House, the revenue from these payments will be used for tax relief and debt repayment.
Secretary Lutnick stated that only “exceptionally qualified” individuals would be accepted, saying, “These people will create businesses and new jobs instead of taking American jobs. The programme will generate more than $100 billion in revenue for the US treasury.”
Under the decree, individual applicants will pay $1 million, while company-sponsored applicants will pay $2 million. This will allow applications to be processed on an expedited basis, granting individuals the right to reside in the US.
