Microsoft has issued an urgent travel advisory to its foreign workforce after President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa holder. The directive, which takes effect on September 21 at 12:01 a.m. EST, is set to add a significant burden on companies employing skilled foreign professionals.
In an internal email, the tech giant instructed H-1B and H-4 visa holders currently outside the United States to return immediately before the deadline. Employees already in the U.S. have been asked to avoid any overseas travel until further notice.
“We strongly urge you to do everything possible to be back in the U.S. before the order comes into force,” the email read. Although the executive order did not specifically address H-4 dependents, Microsoft has advised them to remain in the country as a precaution.
The move underscores the uncertainty faced by global tech firms that rely heavily on international talent. The H-1B program has long been a gateway for skilled engineers, developers, and other professionals to contribute to the U.S. technology industry. With the new fee in place, experts warn of increased hiring costs and possible disruptions in staffing across the sector.
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Microsoft has not provided public comments on the order but its swift internal communication reflects mounting concern within the industry about the future of U.S. work visas and immigration policies.
Conclusion
The sudden imposition of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee has created shockwaves across the tech industry, with companies like Microsoft quickly moving to safeguard their employees. For thousands of skilled workers and their families, this policy could mean difficult choices regarding employment, relocation, and financial stability. As the situation unfolds, the future of the H-1B and H-4 visa programs remains uncertain, leaving both businesses and professionals waiting for clarity on how U.S. immigration policies will shape the global talent landscape.