Key Highlights
- $100,000 H-1B visa filing fee faces criticism for alleged loopholes.
- Amanda Goodall, a U.S. influencer and employment strategist, flagged “loopholes” in the rule.
- USCIS confirmed that all visa slots for fiscal year 2026 have already been filled.
- Critics argue that large outsourcing firms can avoid the expense by hiring employees already in the U.S.
The Controversy Surrounding the $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
A recent move by the Trump administration to impose a $100,000 filing fee for H-1B visas has sparked intense debate in the United States. This policy was introduced with the intention of protecting American jobs and deterring misuse by large outsourcing firms. However, critics argue that it may disproportionately harm smaller businesses and international candidates.
Amanda Goodall’s Criticism
U.S. influencer Amanda Goodall, creator of The Job Chick and InsiderEdge, flagged what she described as “loopholes” in the new rule on social media platform X. In her post, she claimed that bigger outsourcing companies often avoid this expense by hiring employees who are already residing in the U.S., while smaller employers looking to hire global talent are forced to bear the cost.
Goodall wrote, “$100,000 H-1B FEE?! USCIS just clarified more, sparking an intense conversation across social media platforms. She argued that the change would make it ‘impossible for small businesses to compete fairly.'” This criticism aligns with broader concerns about the impact of such policies on smaller companies and international talent.
USCIS’s Position
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that there are enough H-1B petitions for fiscal year 2026, meaning no new applications will be accepted unless Congress authorizes more visas. According to the agency, “We have received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa US advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year 2026.” This has led some to question the immediate impact of the $100,000 fee.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The debate over the H-1B visa policy extends beyond financial implications. Critics argue that large consulting firms and tech staffing companies can continue hiring workers already in the country without paying the added cost, which leaves smaller employers at a disadvantage. This has fueled broader discussions about fairness, accessibility, and the long-term implications of Trump’s immigration and employment policies.
One user commented, “Loopholes so big you can drive a truck through it… ban switches, no renewals.” Another ed, “Ha ha basically no impact till 2026.
This is just an eye wash to fool Americans.” These comments highlight the skepticism surrounding the effectiveness and fairness of the new policy.
As the U.S. continues to grapple with issues related to immigration and employment, the $100,000 H-1B visa fee remains a contentious issue. The outcome will likely shape future policies and discussions on how to balance protectionist measures with the need for a skilled workforce.
