The Donald Trump administration’s decision to impose a staggering $100,000 application fee for employers seeking to hire foreign professionals through the H-1B visa programme has raised significant concerns among immigration experts. Immigration attorney Dayle Blair warns that this move could ‘backfire’ on the US, potentially driving skilled workers to countries like Canada and China, which are actively courting global talent in fields such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, and education. Blair highlighted China’s recent introduction of the K-Visa, a sponsor-free visa category aimed at attracting STEM professionals, as a direct response to the US’s restrictive measures. The K-Visa, launched on October 1, 2025, is part of China’s broader strategy to compete for skilled workers, though details on fees and requirements remain undisclosed. Blair also noted that remote work could offer an alternative for US employers, but concerns over data security and client permissions persist. The H-1B visa, which allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields, has seen a 20-fold fee increase from $5,000 to $100,000, effective September 21, 2025. This sharp rise comes as the US government pushes for companies to hire more local talent. However, Blair and other experts argue that this policy could stifle US innovation and businesses by restricting access to a global talent pool. Smaller companies, in particular, may struggle to afford the new fee, potentially limiting their ability to hire skilled foreign workers. The announcement has already caused widespread concern among employers, with many scrambling to bring employees back to the US before the deadline. Additionally, Jamaicans are being warned to remain vigilant against scams that often arise during periods of immigration uncertainty. Immigration attorney Nadine Atkinson-Flowers urged individuals to rely on credible sources and make informed decisions to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike could send Jamaican professionals to other countries
