President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 visa fee for fresh H-1B applications has raised major concerns, especially for large tech companies in Silicon Valley that rely heavily on skilled foreign workers. New data from the 2025 fiscal year shows that U.S. tech giants—not Indian outsourcing firms—were the biggest employers of new H-1B workers.
U.S. Tech Companies Lead H-1B Hiring in 2025
A new analysis from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) found that for the first time since at least 2000, no Indian tech company appeared in the top four H-1B employers. Instead, the leading companies were:
Top 4 H-1B Employers in FY 2025
- Amazon
- Meta
- Microsoft
Indian companies like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) dropped lower in the rankings compared to previous years.
California Dominates New H-1B Approvals
California had the highest number of new H-1B approvals, with around 21,600 approvals—almost double the number in Texas, the next highest state. Three Bay Area cities made it into the top six:
- San Jose
- Santa Clara
- San Francisco
This shows how important foreign skilled workers are to the region’s tech industry.
How Trump’s $100K Visa Fee Could Impact Tech Companies
The new fee may hit Silicon Valley employers the hardest, as they consistently hire large numbers of H-1B workers for high-skill roles. Critics say the fee is meant to protect U.S. workers, while supporters of immigration argue it could slow innovation.
Who Will Actually Pay the New Fee?
The fee applies only to new H-1B petitions filed for people outside the United States who do not already hold an H-1B visa. Many workers applying for H-1B status are already in the U.S. as students, which may reduce the overall impact.
Supporters vs. Critics: The Ongoing H-1B Debate
Supporters Say H-1B Workers Drive Innovation
Tech leaders like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Elon Musk argue that H-1B talent is essential for growth, especially in AI and engineering. They say these workers help build better companies and strengthen the U.S. tech industry.
Critics Say the Program Hurts U.S. Workers
Kevin Lynn of U.S. Tech Workers said the H-1B program is “predatory” and replaces American employees with cheaper foreign workers. He pointed to a higher unemployment rate among U.S. computer science graduates compared to all college graduates in 2023.
He also argued that H-1B workers are like “indentured servants” because their visa depends on their employer. However, NFAP data shows that 68,167 workers changed employers in 2024, suggesting workers still have mobility.
What the Numbers Tell Us About H-1B Workers
The latest USCIS data for FY 2024 shows:
- 64% of H-1B workers are in tech and IT roles
- $125,000 median salary for computer-related H-1B jobs
- 63% hold a master’s degree or higher
This highlights that most H-1B recipients are highly educated and work in specialized fields.
Why Indian Outsourcing Firms Are Dropping in Rank
1. Increase in Lottery Registration Fees
The lottery registration fee jumped from $10 to $215, making it expensive for companies that file thousands of applications each year—especially India-based outsourcing firms.
2. Outsourcing Work to Other Countries
Some companies are shifting projects to countries like Canada, where work permits are easier and more predictable.
3. U.S. Tech Giants Hiring More AI Talent
Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are actively recruiting non-American graduates from U.S. universities to fill advanced AI and technical roles.
Immigration Attorneys Warn of Confusion and Higher Costs
Immigration lawyer Fariba Faiz said many companies are unsure about the new fee and are trying to figure out alternative visa paths or direct green card sponsorships to keep talented workers.
Conclusion
The H-1B landscape is changing quickly. U.S. tech companies now dominate H-1B hiring, Indian outsourcing firms are seeing reduced influence, and President Trump’s new $100,000 visa fee could reshape the future of skilled immigration. While some believe the fee will protect American workers, many tech leaders fear it could slow innovation and push jobs outside the United States.
