US Plans New Fee of Over $100,000 for H-1B Work Visas
The Trump administration has moved to create a new fee for the H-1B visa program. This fee would be more than $100,000. The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, often in fields like technology, science, and engineering.
According to reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to propose the new fee. DHS is also expected to propose changes to fees connected to the OPT program. OPT, or Optional Practical Training, allows international students to work in the US for a period after finishing their studies.
If the fee is approved, it would represent a huge increase in the cost of hiring foreign workers through the H-1B system. Many companies, especially in the tech industry, rely on H-1B visas to fill jobs that require special skills.
So far, this is only a proposal, meaning it has not become official policy. Proposals like this usually go through a review process before they can take effect. It is not yet clear when a final decision will be made.
Critics may argue that such a high fee could make it much harder for smaller companies to hire foreign talent. Supporters of stricter immigration rules may see the fee as a way to protect jobs for American workers. Reactions to the plan are likely to vary widely across different industries.
Vocabulary6 words
- Trump administration
- the US government led by President Trump
- H-1B visa
- a permit that lets a skilled foreign worker work in the US
- Department of Homeland Security
- a US government agency that manages safety and immigration
- OPT program
- a US program letting foreign students work after finishing school
- proposal
- a plan suggested but not yet made official
- policy
- an official plan or rule made by a government
Quiz
Answer key
1. Hiring skilled foreign workers 2. Department of Homeland Security 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The Trump administration has moved to create a new _____ for the H-1B visa program. This fee would be more than $100,000. The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers, often in fields like technology, science, and engineering.
According to reports, the _____ (DHS) plans to propose the new fee. DHS is also expected to propose changes to fees connected to the _____. OPT allows international students to work in the US for a period after finishing their studies.
If the fee is approved, it would represent a huge increase in the cost of hiring foreign workers through the H-1B _____. Many companies, especially in the tech industry, rely on H-1B visas to fill jobs that require special skills.
So far, this is only a _____, meaning it has not become official policy. Proposals like this usually go through a review process before they can take effect.
Discussion questions
- Why might the US government want to raise fees for H-1B visas?
- How could this fee affect smaller companies compared to large ones?
- What might be the effects on international students who use OPT?
- Do you think high visa fees help or hurt a country's economy? Why?