It appears, based on Fed analysis, this policy will work as intended:
> Figure 1 shows the wage distribution among H-1B workers. The median salary is $92,600, with 10 percent earning more than $150,000 and about 1.6 percent earning over $300,000. Introducing a $100,000 fee would likely deter firms from sponsoring lower-wage workers, where the expected value of hiring does not outweigh the added cost. In contrast, firms filling high-wage, specialized positions — roles where immigrant workers generate larger profit gains — would still find it worthwhile.
> While the exact "breakeven" number is uncertain, the New York Times reports that it may be closer to $225,000 per year. Since most H-1B recipients earn below this figure, the policy could significantly cut inflows of skilled immigrants. But the remaining pool would likely shift toward higher-wage, higher-skill workers.
> To sum up, the new H-1B fee is expected to decrease the total number of college-educated immigrants in the U.S. The IT services sector would be the sector most affected by such policy, as most firms pay H-1B workers a lower annual wage than the fee itself. Universities and nonprofit institutions would also struggle to afford such costs if their exemptions are removed. The economic impact of such policy would reduce downward wage pressure for native workers in occupations that use H-1B workers intensively. However, there will likely be economic costs for most American workers.
> The $100,000 H-1B visa application fee officially took effect on September 21. According to USCIS, applicants must submit the payment through pay.gov before applying for the visa.
> The agency also reported that it has already received enough petitions to reach both the regular 65,000 cap for H-1B visas and the 20,000 cap for US advanced degree exemptions for the 2026 fiscal year, which runs until April next year.
It appears, based on Fed analysis, this policy will work as intended:
> Figure 1 shows the wage distribution among H-1B workers. The median salary is $92,600, with 10 percent earning more than $150,000 and about 1.6 percent earning over $300,000. Introducing a $100,000 fee would likely deter firms from sponsoring lower-wage workers, where the expected value of hiring does not outweigh the added cost. In contrast, firms filling high-wage, specialized positions — roles where immigrant workers generate larger profit gains — would still find it worthwhile.
> While the exact "breakeven" number is uncertain, the New York Times reports that it may be closer to $225,000 per year. Since most H-1B recipients earn below this figure, the policy could significantly cut inflows of skilled immigrants. But the remaining pool would likely shift toward higher-wage, higher-skill workers.
> To sum up, the new H-1B fee is expected to decrease the total number of college-educated immigrants in the U.S. The IT services sector would be the sector most affected by such policy, as most firms pay H-1B workers a lower annual wage than the fee itself. Universities and nonprofit institutions would also struggle to afford such costs if their exemptions are removed. The economic impact of such policy would reduce downward wage pressure for native workers in occupations that use H-1B workers intensively. However, there will likely be economic costs for most American workers.
So far I have only heard anecdotes of companies paying it, or will be paying it for existing people.
Walmart Pauses Job Offers to Candidates Needing H-1B Visas - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45659955 - October 2025
Four big companies have now stopped sponsoring H-1B visas. Here is the full list - https://www.financialexpress.com/business/investing-abroad-f... - October 23rd, 2025 (Cognizant, Intuitive Surgical, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Walmart)
> The $100,000 H-1B visa application fee officially took effect on September 21. According to USCIS, applicants must submit the payment through pay.gov before applying for the visa.
> The agency also reported that it has already received enough petitions to reach both the regular 65,000 cap for H-1B visas and the 20,000 cap for US advanced degree exemptions for the 2026 fiscal year, which runs until April next year.
I'm in a startup bubble I guess. I think it's easier for them to justify it.
Something will happen.