⚖️ H1-B Visa impact

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H-1B Visa Fee Hike Shakes Startups

The Trump administration announced a dramatic increase in H-1B visa application fees, raising the cost from $2,000–$5,000 to $100,000 for new applicants. While the fee only applies to new visas, founders say the move will disproportionately affect startups that rely on global talent for roles like AI and software engineering. Big tech companies may absorb the costs, but smaller startups fear being priced out of hiring the people they need to scale.

The Broader Impact on U.S. Innovation

H-1B visas have historically fueled U.S. innovation, enabling employees like Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella to enter the country. Critics of the fee argue that limiting access will shrink the talent pool, slow startup growth, and send a message to international engineers that the U.S. isn’t open for business. Some founders are already pivoting to remote hiring or exploring international hubs in Canada, Germany, and the U.K. to access global talent without the new barriers.

Lessons for Founders

For startup founders, this policy shift underscores the importance of global talent strategy. Relying exclusively on U.S.-based visas is now riskier; companies should explore remote-first hiring, alternative visa categories like O-1 or EB-1A, and international incorporation to maintain access to top talent. Planning for talent mobility and legal compliance is no longer optional—it’s a critical part of scaling a competitive tech business in a globally connected market.

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