Donald Trump
New $100,000 US Visa Fee Threatens Future for Nigerian Skilled Workers
PicNews
The recent executive order from US President Donald Trump imposing a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications will significantly impact Nigerian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States.
The impact on Nigerian professionals will be substantial, with reduced job opportunities due to the steep fee hike discouraging companies, especially smaller ones, from sponsoring Nigerian workers. Nigerian students using the Optional Practical Training program may also find it harder to transition to H-1B visas and secure permanent jobs, limiting their career advancement and economic opportunities in the US. Companies might pass the extra cost to workers through lower salaries or fewer benefits, affecting their take-home pay.
Big tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, which heavily rely on H-1B visa holders, may need to reassess their hiring strategies due to the increased fee. For instance, Amazon led with 10,044 H-1B workers as of June 2025, and the new fee could lead to significant additional costs for the company. Nigerian doctors who frequently use the H-1B program to secure work opportunities in the US may also be affected, as the new fee could limit their ability to practice medicine in the US.
The new fee could lead to Startups and small companies stopping H-1B sponsorships due to the prohibitive cost, potentially reducing job opportunities for Nigerian professionals.Large tech companies focusing on senior roles, where the investment is worth the $100,000 fee, potentially shifting the dynamics of who gets hired.
Shift to alternative visa options, with professionals exploring other visa categories or considering countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia for better opportunities.
Industry experts, including Nasscom, have expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on business continuity, innovation, and the US economy. Nasscom noted that the timeline for implementation is a concern and that policy changes of this scale are best introduced with adequate transition periods, allowing organizations and individuals to plan effectively and minimize disruption .
The policy has sparked mixed reactions, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick arguing that it will force companies to prioritize American workers. Critics warn that the policy could damage America’s ability to attract global talent and stifle innovation, ultimately harming the US economy. Some major US tech firms have advised visa holders to either remain in the country or return there quickly due to the uncertainty surrounding the new policy .
