How a $100K H-1B visa fee is reshaping U.S. immigration

Vivienne Yang arrived in New York City in 2018 as a graduate student from Taiwan, hoping to build a career in the U.S. Six years later, she left the country after losing her job and failing to secure another visa sponsor. Her story highlights the challenges facing skilled immigrants under a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, introduced in September 2025.

A skilled immigrant’s exit from the U.S.

According to Business Insider, Vivienne Yang moved from Taiwan to New York City in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree in applied analytics at Columbia University. After graduating, she built a career in the city’s ad-tech industry.

Yang lost her job in 2024, a setback compounded by the constraints of her H-1B visa. Unable to secure another position in time, she was forced to leave the U.S., abandoning the life she had established in New York.

Her departure reflects a growing trend among skilled immigrants facing similar visa-related challenges under evolving U.S. immigration policies.

A $100,000 fee disrupts the H-1B visa process

In September 2025, President Trump introduced a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, a move that has significantly disrupted the visa application process. The fee targets employers filing new petitions, adding a substantial financial burden to an already complex system.

Reports suggest the change has altered the immigration landscape for employers, employees, and prospective visa applicants. Some companies may reconsider hiring foreign talent due to the increased cost, while visa holders and hopefuls face heightened uncertainty about their futures in the U.S.

The policy shift has already led some individuals to opt out of the U.S. immigration system entirely, seeking opportunities in countries with more predictable or accessible visa pathways.

Background: The H-1B visa program

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as technology, finance, and engineering. It has been a critical tool for companies seeking to fill skill gaps in the U.S. labor market.

The program is subject to an annual cap, with demand often exceeding the number of visas available. This has led to a lottery system, adding an element of unpredictability for both employers and applicants.

Over the years, the H-1B visa has faced policy changes, including adjustments to fees, eligibility criteria, and processing times. These shifts have periodically created uncertainty for visa holders and companies reliant on foreign talent.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Vivienne Yang’s story is a tangible example of how sweeping policy changes can upend the lives of skilled immigrants—and the companies that rely on them. The proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions isn’t just a financial hurdle; it signals a structural shift in how the U.S. approaches employment-based immigration. For founders and operators, this raises immediate questions about talent pipelines, cost structures, and long-term workforce planning.

If this fee persists, startups and established firms alike may need to rethink hiring strategies, especially for roles that rely on global talent. It also underscores the fragility of visa-dependent employees, who face heightened uncertainty during layoffs or industry downturns. For operators, this is a reminder to build contingency plans—whether through visa sponsorship alternatives, remote work arrangements, or diversified hiring pools—to mitigate disruption.

Broader implications extend beyond individual companies. If the U.S. becomes less accessible to skilled immigrants, innovation hubs in other countries could benefit, potentially shifting where startups choose to incorporate or scale. The policy’s impact on diversity, competition, and economic growth will be worth watching as it unfolds.

Key takeaways

• Vivienne Yang, a former H-1B visa holder, left the U.S. after losing her job in 2024 due to visa constraints.
• A proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, introduced in September 2025, has disrupted the visa process.
• The fee has created challenges for employers, employees, and prospective visa applicants, leading some to abandon the U.S. immigration system.
• The changes reflect broader shifts in U.S. employment-based immigration policy, with potential implications for talent acquisition and retention.
• Founders and operators may need to adapt hiring strategies to account for increased uncertainty and costs in visa sponsorship.

FAQ

What is the H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as technology, engineering, or finance. It is typically valid for three years and can be extended.

Why did Vivienne Yang leave the U.S.?

Yang lost her job in 2024 and was unable to find another employer to sponsor her H-1B visa before her legal status expired. This forced her to leave the country.

What is the proposed $100,000 H-1B fee?

In September 2025, President Trump proposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions. The fee aims to increase revenue but has raised concerns about the financial burden on employers and the accessibility of the visa program.

How might the fee impact employers?

The fee could deter employers from sponsoring H-1B visas due to the added cost, particularly startups or small businesses with limited budgets. It may also push companies to explore alternative hiring strategies, such as remote work or relocating roles to other countries.

What are the broader implications of this policy change?

The policy could reduce the number of skilled immigrants entering the U.S., potentially leading to talent shortages in key industries. It may also shift innovation and economic activity to countries with more accessible immigration pathways.

Related on Lazyfounder

• More policy news
• Business Insider