Microsoft Warns Staff,Avoid Travel Amid $100K H-1B Visa Fee

A big worry has hit the tech industry in the United States. The government is considering raising the cost of applying for an H-1B visa to as high as $100,000 per application. This shocking proposal has made companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon nervous because they depend heavily on foreign workers, especially from India.

In response, Microsoft has advised its employees who are on H-1B visas not to leave the country for now. The reason is simple: if the law changes while they are abroad, they could face serious trouble returning to the US.

This story is not just about visa fees—it’s about the future of skilled immigration, the lives of thousands of workers, and America’s position as a global leader in technology.

What Is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas in the United States. It allows companies to hire foreign workers in specialized jobs—mostly in technology, engineering, medicine, and research.

Every year, about 85,000 new H-1B visas are given out, with tens of thousands of renewals. A large share of these visas go to Indian workers, especially in the IT and software industries.

For companies like Microsoft, this visa program is critical. It helps them fill skill shortages, drive innovation, and stay ahead in a competitive global market.

Why $100,000 Fees Are Being Considered

At present, applying for an H-1B visa costs companies around $6,000–$10,000, including legal expenses. The new proposal would increase this to $100,000—a tenfold jump.

The government says the reasons for this drastic hike are:

• To reduce over-reliance on foreign labor.
• To push companies to hire more American workers.
• To raise money for immigration enforcement and worker training.

But critics say this is like putting a price tag so high that it would almost shut down the H-1B program. Small companies and startups will never be able to afford such costs, and even big companies may reduce hiring.

Microsoft’s Advice to Employees

Reports suggest Microsoft has told its workers on H-1B visas to avoid traveling outside the US for the time being. The company fears that:

1. If rules change suddenly, employees who leave may not be able to come back easily.
2. If fees rise while they are abroad, companies might face massive costs to renew or revalidate the visa.
3. Ongoing projects may suffer if skilled workers get stuck outside.

By advising workers to stay put, Microsoft is trying to protect both its employees and its business.

How Employees Are Affected

The proposed change has created deep anxiety among H-1B workers:

• Many workers, especially Indians, travel home once or twice a year to see their families. Now they fear they may not be able to return.
• Career plans are uncertain. If companies cut back on visa sponsorships, skilled foreigners may lose out on opportunities.
• Families who are waiting for green cards or permanent residency are now stuck in limbo.

In short, this proposal is not only about money. It is about real human lives, relationships, and long-term dreams.

Why It Matters to Tech Companies

The US tech industry is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B program. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple together employ tens of thousands of workers on these visas.

For them, higher costs mean:

• Budget pressure – Each visa could now cost $100,000. For thousands of employees, that means billions of dollars.
• Fewer hires – Companies may hire fewer foreign workers, reducing innovation.
• Global competition – Skilled talent may choose Canada, the UK, or Australia instead, where immigration rules are easier.

Even though Microsoft can technically afford the fees, the message it sends is negative: the US is becoming less welcoming to global talent.

What Other Companies Are Saying

While Microsoft has been the first to take clear steps, other companies are also worried. Immigration lawyers say they are getting calls every day from tech firms and employees seeking advice.

Industry groups such as the US Chamber of Commerce have warned that the change could hurt America’s position as a leader in science and technology.

India’s Role in the Debate

India has the most to lose if the H-1B visa becomes too expensive. About 70% of all H-1B visas go to Indians, many of them young engineers.

For India, this is not just about jobs. It is also about:

• Remittances – Indian workers in the US send billions of dollars back home each year.
• IT Industry – Indian companies like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro depend heavily on H-1B workers to serve American clients.

The Indian government is expected to raise this issue with Washington, just as it has in the past when H-1B reforms were proposed.

The Legal Battle Ahead

If the $100K fee is approved, there will almost certainly be court cases. Lawyers may argue that such a high cost is unfair, discriminatory, and amounts to a hidden ban on foreign workers.

The courts will then have to decide: Is this a reasonable policy, or is it an economic wall disguised as a fee?

Microsoft’s Leadership Example

It’s worth noting that Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, is himself a former H-1B visa holder. He came from India, studied in the US, and worked his way up to lead one of the most powerful companies in the world.

By asking employees not to travel, Microsoft is sending a strong signal:

• The company cares about its immigrant workforce.
• The proposed change is serious enough to disrupt business.
• Lawmakers should pay attention before finalizing such policies.

The Bigger Global Picture

If the US makes immigration harder, many other countries are ready to benefit.

• Canada is offering fast-track visas for tech workers.
• The UK has opened its doors through a Global Talent Visa scheme.
• Germany and Australia are actively recruiting foreign professionals.

In the long run, the US could lose its edge as the top destination for skilled workers, something that has powered its economy for decades.