Natasha Ferguson

The proposal of imposing a USD 100k annual fee on H1B Visas raises crucial questions: - Will it ensure Pay Parity? - Does it aim to boost hiring of Americans? - Is it a measure to curb H-1B System misuse? While the specifics are unclear, one thing is certain: such a fee could hinder America's allure for top global talent, particularly impacting startups and research-focused firms. Moreover, prospective students eyeing American universities for undergraduate and postgraduate studies may rethink their choices if the visa sponsorship pathway becomes challenging post-graduation.

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Here’s what no one in staffing wants to admit: If H-1B visa fees skyrocket (as proposed), the ripple effect across staffing and recruiting will be brutal. Think about it: Tech firms that leaned heavily on foreign engineers?  Forced to rethink sourcing and fight harder for domestic talent. Legal & compliance-heavy industries?  Costs ballooning, margins shrinking. Staffing agencies built on placing international workers?  Suddenly staring at a broken model. And here’s the kicker, demand won’t go away. It’ll shift. → Companies will turn aggressively to domestic pipelines. → Agencies will scramble to upskill recruiters on niche sourcing. → Clients will expect faster delivery in a market where the pool just got smaller. Recruiters who cling to “business as usual” will drown. Recruiters who pivot - building AI-powered sourcing systems, tightening outreach personalization, and embedding domestic-focused pipelines - will win. This isn’t just about visas.  It’s about the future of recruiting infrastructure. If fees rise, the question isn’t “what will it cost?” The question is: Will your recruiting process bend or break under the pressure?

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Trump Orders 100x H-1B Fee Hike This morning, Trump signed an executive order raising the cost of an H-1B visa from $1,000 to $100,000. The scale of impact is massive - in FY2024, ~400k H-1B petitions were approved, and 71% were for India-born professionals. The largest impact will be felt in tech, where ~66% of workers are foreign-born. If this order survives its legal tests, foreign nationals entering the job market - and many due for renewals - will be forced to consider a shift back to India. This could create one of the most acute talent shortages in recent U.S. tech history and for many companies, an India office would become the logical next step.

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Here are 15 trusted visa resources for international students and immigrant job seekers in the U.S. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate the U.S. immigration system, check this list of reliable, up-to-date resources you can actually trust: 📌Official Government & Application Websites → U.S. Department of State: For all visa types (F, J, H-1B, etc.), policies, forms, and the DS-160 application. https://lnkd.in/gwuyiVDd → USCIS: Primary immigration portal for applications, status checks, and scam alerts. https://lnkd.in/g4xPnypx → USA.gov Student Visa Page Clear, simplified breakdown of student visa types and application steps. https://lnkd.in/gHYWVKrv → U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India: Country-specific info on interviews, appointments, and visa news. https://lnkd.in/gbSi7zek → U.S. Travel Docs: Visa appointment scheduling + document submission by country. https://lnkd.in/gBweksaj → CBP International Visitors: Covers entry, inspection, and what happens once you're in the U.S. https://lnkd.in/gek8yRh3 📌Forums & Community Support → Immihelp Forums Active discussions on F-1, H-1B, green cards, job search tips, and timelines. https://lnkd.in/g5fG4PNu → VisaJourney Forums Peer-to-peer advice for interviews, adjustment of status, and real-time case updates. https://lnkd.in/gyJUXh6s → NAFSA Resource Center Insightful resources for advisors and students on international education and mobility. https://lnkd.in/gKiDms7n 📌Legal Aid & Attorney Directories → DOJ Pro Bono Legal Services: A government-vetted list of free and low-cost immigration legal providers. https://lnkd.in/gdXapZq9 → American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Directory of vetted immigration lawyers + legal updates and news. https://lnkd.in/gVufJe7S → Global Refuge Immigration Legal Services Support and legal help for immigrants navigating visa and status processes. https://lnkd.in/gJSAH8G5 Save, share it and revisit it. ♻️ If you found this helpful, share across your network and tag someone who needs this. Follow me if you're an international student who is navigating the international job market. P.S. I’ve helped 72 international students land their dream jobs in the U.K. and the U.S. If you’re a student or job seeker looking for solid strategies, don’t miss my FREE webinar on Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays.

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Case Study : When Policy Puts a Price on the H-1B Dream On Sept 21, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation takes effect: Employers must now pay $100,000 for every new H-1B petition filed on behalf of workers outside the U.S. Exemptions clarified: • Existing H-1B holders are not affected • Routine renewals inside the U.S. remain exempt The numbers in context: • Statutory cap: about 85,000 new H-1B slots per year • Registrations: typically around 400,000 • Share of Indians: about 70 percent of approvals • Past cost of a petition: a few thousand dollars (legal and filing fees) • New cost: $100,000 one-time, per petition Why it matters: The change is not an “annual fee,” but a one-time upfront payment for each new petition. That single line item now dwarfs the total cost of the process to date. The implications (analysis): • Large tech and IT outsourcing firms may still sponsor talent • Smaller firms and startups could pull back sharply • Indian students and professionals who form the majority of applicants face added uncertainty • Competing destinations such as Canada, the UK, Australia, and remote work models may look more attractive The insight: This is not just a policy shift. It is a structural paywall that re-draws the map of global talent mobility. When regulation sets the price of opportunity, it does not just change career paths it forces entire industries to recalibrate. Disclaimer: This post is educational and informational. Based on the official Presidential Proclamation and major media reporting.

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𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗢𝗣𝗧 𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 Hoping this information helps others who are currently in the STEM OPT EAD application process. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱: May 15, 2025  𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱: September 29, 2025  𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: ~4.5 months Current processing times appears to be between 4 to 6 months. USCIS is self funded so they are not directly impacted by government shutdowns. But the delays in processing are more than usual. For those preparing to apply for STEM, it is highly advisable to submit your application as early as possible. While you can work for up to 6 months(180 days) on an expired EAD while your STEM application is pending, with delays already exceeding four months, it's best to apply early to create a sufficient buffer.

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H-1B panic on your feed? Breathe. Here’s the signal, not the noise. The new $100,000 fee targets new H-1B applications, per the White House. Existing H-1Bs and renewals aren’t charged—that’s the official line issued yesterday to calm confusion. Yes, policy whiplash is real. Companies paused travel and scrambled because early statements were messy, then clarified. Expect a bumpy few weeks. What this means (simple): If you already hold an H-1B, today’s change is not a fee on your renewal or re-entry. If you’re aiming for a new H-1B, budgeting and timelines just changed. Don’t doomscroll. Do this. - If you’re a current H-1B holder (US or traveling): - Verify with your employer counsel before changing travel—don’t rely on forwards.  - Keep docs handy (I-797, paystubs, letter of employment). - Avoid self-disqualification—keep LinkedIn/resumé dates, titles, and pay records consistent; BGV friction kills momentum more than policy noise. If you plan to file next cycle: Model the new cost reality with your employer; hiring plans may shift from volume to fewer, higher-ROI petitions.  Bloomberg - Raise your ‘must-hire’ score: lead with outcomes (₹ saved, revenue lifted), not tool lists. - Portfolio > pedigree: a 2–3 slide proof-of-work beats another certification in this climate. If you’re India-based and exploring options: -> Build a 12-month war chest—cash + skills beat headlines. -> Aim at hot domestic lanes (GCCs, BFSI analytics, EV/renewables) while volatility plays out. -> Keep Plan B/C: remote contracts, GCC roles, or short on-site stints—optionality is insurance. Early-warning mindset for a volatile world Policies, tariffs, elections—these swing fast. Your defense is optionality: cash runway, exportable skills, visible proof, and warm networks. The goal isn’t fear; it’s being hard to dislodge no matter who signs a proclamation. Small nudge for the week: “Seatbelt baandho, and enjoy the bumpy ride.” Strap in, skill up, and keep moving with facts—not forwards.

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A reminder to all H-1B visa applicants - when you go in for your H-1B visa interview, keep in mind: - Your H-1B petition was approved by USCIS - You are interviewing for your H-1B visa There are three distinct U.S. departments that play a role in H-1B visas: (1) the Department of Labor that certifies your "Labor Condition Application," (2) Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s USCIS that approves a petition by your U.S. employer, and (3) the Department of State's visa officer that will interview the applicant overseas and adjudicate the H-1B visa. Please do not tell the visa officer, "My H-1B visa was approved, and I am here for the stamp." And most importantly, prepare for your visa interview - remember, this is the first time you will be speaking with a U.S. government official regarding your H-1B application. Make it count! #H1B #statedepartment #usvisas #immigration

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💡 Talent Mobility: A Tale of Two Visa Fees Did you know? The proposed H1B visa fees in the U.S. could rise to nearly $100,000 when factoring in compliance, legal, and application costs. In contrast, a skilled professional can secure a work visa in Japan for around $50. The difference is staggering. 🚀 At 4M Career, we believe this contrast highlights two important truths: 1️⃣ Barriers vs. Opportunities – While some countries are making bringing in global talent harder (and costlier), Japan is positioning itself as a more accessible and attractive destination. 2️⃣ Talent Wins When Barriers Are Lowered – In today’s global economy, countries that simplify access for international professionals will be the ones to unlock innovation and growth. 🌏 For companies, this means re-thinking global hiring strategies. 👩‍💻 For candidates, it means new pathways to career growth in places like Japan. At 4M Career, we’re here to help bridge that gap. Let’s talk about how you can tap into Japan’s growing opportunities. #GlobalTalent #Visa #Careers #Japan #H1B #FutureOfWork #4MCareer

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Recent US policy change: a $100,000 fee has been imposed for new H-1B visa petitions, significantly raising the cost of hiring foreign talent on US soil. While this fee does not apply to current visa holders or renewals, it sharply increases barriers for employers seeking overseas specialists via traditional routes. What this means: companies will likely shift toward remote hiring models to access global talent without incurring visa-cost burdens. Remote work isn’t just a workaround—it will become a more preferred and strategic option for many organizations. Skilled professionals worldwide should seize this moment—remote roles are set to rise sharply. Get ready to grab yours!

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H-1B visa holders are receiving deportation notices, even within their 60-day grace period. This is causing confusion and stress for workers who are still legally in the US. Notices to Appear (NTAs) are being issued before the grace period ends, contradicting USCIS guidelines. This uncertainty affects both workers and businesses relying on foreign talent. When an H-1B worker loses their job, they have 60 days to: ��� Find a new job and transfer their H-1B → Switch to another status (e.g., B-2 visitor) → Leave the US voluntarily Now, NTAs are being issued even if they’re within the grace period. This puts workers in deportation proceedings without fault, often due to late applications or status changes. If you’re an H-1B worker, act fast: → Find a new employer and file an H-1B transfer → Switch to a B-2 visa or other option → Leave voluntarily before the grace period ends If you receive an NTA, contact an immigration attorney immediately. Stay informed, act promptly, and safeguard your position. ➡️ Stay updated on significant legal and policy changes like this. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gPAti4bB       #h1bvisa #immigration #uscis #deportation #graceperiod #workvisa #techworkers #immigrationlaw #jinee #jineegreencard #jineereview.

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Massive implications for companies hiring: Trump plans to add a $100,000 fee for each H-1B visa. If enacted, this would be the most dramatic cost increase the H-1B program has ever seen. For context, the current government filing fees for an H-1B petition run a few thousand dollars. An additional $100K per employee fundamentally changes the math for any company relying on international talent. Tech firms would feel it first. More than 70% of H-1B visas historically go to computer and engineering roles. The same roles already commanding record salaries in the U.S. The result: • Higher total cost per hire, which pressures salary budgets or headcount plans. • More competition for U.S.-based talent, pushing domestic salaries even higher. • Greater leverage for top candidates as companies scramble to retain and grow critical teams without that international pipeline. We’ve already seen total compensation climb steadily for in-demand engineering roles. If access to global talent tightens, expect that curve to steepen. Companies may respond with bigger cash offers, richer equity refreshers, or both. We’ll be tracking how this plays out in real time on Levels.fyi. Our data already shows how talent shortages drive salary spikes, and this policy could accelerate that trend. Read more on this news here: https://lnkd.in/gqyN4wJi

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