It looks like Netflix is not a big fan of the H-1B visa program. Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings is backing President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, saying the policy would fix long-running issues with the U.S. immigration system.
“I’ve worked on H1-B politics for 30 years. Trump’s $100k per year tax is a great solution,” Hastings, who was Netflix’s CEO for 25 years, wrote in an X post on Sunday.
“It will mean H1-B is used just for very high-value jobs, which will mean no lottery needed, and more certainty for those jobs,” he added.
READ: H-1B controversy: Tesla faces class-action lawsuit from rejected US job seekers (
The H-1B visa program is a U.S. immigration program that allows American employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. These jobs typically require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, often in fields like technology, engineering, medicine, and finance. The program is designed to help companies fill skill gaps when qualified U.S. workers are not available.
H-1B visas are usually granted for up to three years, with the possibility of extension to six years. Each year, there is a cap on the number of new H-1B visas issued, currently set at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. The program is competitive due to high demand, often requiring a lottery system.
While it supports innovation and business growth, the H-1B program has also faced criticism related to wage impacts and job displacement concerns. It remains a key pathway for skilled foreign professionals working in the U.S.
Trump signed the executive order on Friday with the fee taking effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday.
Starting Sept. 21, the Trump administration implemented a $100,000 one-time application fee on new H-1B visa petitions for specialty occupation workers, primarily targeting STEM fields.
Currently, the fee applies only to new visa applications, excluding renewals or current visa holders, and is set to last for 12 months unless extended. The Secretary of Homeland Security retains the authority to waive this fee if the employment is deemed in the national interest. The move aims to encourage employers to prioritize American workers by making it more expensive to hire foreign skilled labor, especially in technology, healthcare, and education sectors.
This policy has sparked concern among companies heavily reliant on H-1B workers, including tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as Indian professionals who represent about 70% of H-1B recipients. Industry bodies such as India’s Nasscom warn of potential disruptions but acknowledge the delayed implementation allows businesses time to adjust by investing in local hiring and upskilling U.S. workers. Economists warn the fee could slow U.S. economic growth by limiting access to skilled talent, marking a significant shift in immigration strategy focused on boosting domestic employment.