Higher Visa Fee Creates Unexpected Opportunity
The U.S. government’s recent hike in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 for new applicants may turn out to be a blessing for laid-off tech professionals. Companies may now prefer hiring existing H-1B holders to avoid the steep costs of new applications, creating cost-efficient opportunities for displaced workers.
Impact on Laid-Off H-1B Workers
Tech professionals who have lost their jobs but still hold valid H-1B visas have a 60-day window to find new employment or leave the country. Since they already have H-1B status, employers can hire them via visa transfer without paying the $100,000 new visa fee. This makes laid-off workers highly attractive in terms of both speed and cost efficiency.
Employers’ Perspective
Companies are seeing laid-off H-1B employees as an economical and efficient solution amid rising visa costs. Hiring existing visa holders avoids the lottery process and allows immediate onboarding, which is especially valuable in fast-moving tech roles.
Legal Clarifications
The White House has clarified that the $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B applications, not to current visa holders or renewals. This ensures that existing H-1B employees can transition jobs without financial or procedural obstacles.
Conclusion
While the fee hike is controversial, it inadvertently benefits laid-off tech workers by making them more attractive to employers and simplifying transitions. For both employees and companies, this change could provide a mutually advantageous solution in a competitive job market.