Amazon, Google, Microsoft Warn H-1B Employees

Tech Giants Advise H-1B Visa Holders to Remain in the U.S.

In reaction to significant alterations made by President Donald Trump regarding H-1B visa applications, major technology corporations are advising employees holding these visas to stay within the United States.

New Visa Fee Announced

The White House revealed on Friday that President Trump had authorized a proclamation mandating a $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa application submitted. Consequently, companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have reportedly communicated with their staff.

These communications instruct employees currently possessing H-1B visas to postpone any international travel. Those already abroad are being urged to return to the U.S. before the proclamation becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Internal Memos Released

Business Insider made public the internal memos originating from both Amazon and Microsoft. Sources similarly published a memo from Google. A representative from Microsoft has not offered any comment on the matter.

TechCrunch has also contacted Amazon and Google for further clarification.

H-1B Visa Distribution

Government statistics indicate that Amazon has secured the largest number of H-1B visas during the current fiscal year. Following Amazon are Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple.

Google currently ranks sixth in terms of the number of H-1B visas obtained.

Clarification on Fee Application

A White House official clarified to Axios that the new fee will only be applicable to new applicants. It will not affect current H-1B visa holders or those seeking renewals.

Re-entry Rights Unaffected

Furthermore, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the ability of H-1B visa holders to leave and re-enter the country remains unchanged. Their existing re-entry privileges are not impacted by the recent proclamation.

This article was updated to include a statement from Karoline Leavitt.