In the wake of President Donald Trump’s sweeping overhaul of the H-1B visa program, major technology firms have moved quickly to reassure their foreign-born employees. Multiple media outlets report that these companies are actively advising staff holding H-1B visas to stay in the United States, signaling both concern over the new rules and a commitment to retaining highly skilled talent amid the policy shift.
On Friday, the White House confirmed that President Trump had signed a new proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, a move that is expected to significantly increase the cost for companies hiring foreign workers.
In response to the announcement, tech giants including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft reportedly reached out directly to employees holding H-1B visas. According to media reports, these companies advised staff to remain in the United States and avoid international travel until the new rules take effect. For those already abroad, the guidance urged them to return to the U.S. before the policy comes into force. The swift advisories underscore both the disruption the fee could cause and the companies’ efforts to protect their workforce amid the sudden regulatory change.
READ: Immigration attorneys prepare lawsuits against Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee (
Business Insider obtained and published internal memos from Amazon and Microsoft, while Sources reported a comparable advisory issued by Google. Google’s internal memo largely reflects the guidance sent by Microsoft, also recommending that H-4 visa holders remain in the United States. “We understand this may create challenges, and we are here to support you,” the notice to employees from Google states.
Government records show that, so far, this fiscal year, Amazon has been the largest recipient of H-1B visas, followed by Tata Consultancy Services. Microsoft, Meta, and Apple come next, with Google holding the sixth spot.
On the other hand, The White House has since clarified that the presidential proclamation announced on September 19, which imposes a steep $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions, will not affect current visa holders or any applications submitted before 12:01 a.m. on September 21.
An “H-1B FAQ” posted on the White House website on Sunday emphasized that the new rule “does not change any payments or fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals” and “does not prevent any holder of a current H-1B visa from traveling in and out of the United States.” The clarification seeks to reassure both employers and employees that ongoing visas and renewals remain unaffected, even as new applications face significantly higher costs.
The White House clarification offers immediate relief to employees and employers highlighted in the internal memos, ensuring that current H-1B visa holders and their dependents can continue working, traveling, and renewing visas without disruption. For companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, this provides reassurance that their existing workforce is protected despite the sweeping policy announcement.
At the same time, the new $100,000 fee presents a significant hurdle for anyone applying for H-1B status after September 21. Prospective employees and employers now face sharply higher costs, potentially slowing hiring, complicating international recruitment, and creating uncertainty for skilled professionals planning to join U.S. tech firms in the coming months.