Amazon, Google, Microsoft Advise H-1B Workers to Stay in U.S.

In a dramatic move, some of the biggest tech companies in the world, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have urgently advised their H-1B visa-holding employees to remain in the United States. The advisories come after a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which introduces a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, leading to uncertainty within the U.S. tech industry.

The tech companies, which rely heavily on international talent for specialized roles, have told their employees to avoid traveling abroad and to return to the U.S. if they are already overseas before the new policy takes effect on September 21, 2025. This decision has raised eyebrows, as the companies are trying to protect their workforce from the financial burden that comes with these new visa fees.

What’s the New Policy About?

The executive order signed by Trump adds a significant cost for companies that want to hire skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. Under the new rules, U.S. employers will have to pay a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B visa application. This marks a sharp increase from previous fees, and it's being seen as part of the administration’s larger effort to restrict immigration into the U.S.

However, the policy only affects new H-1B applications — existing workers or those renewing their visas won’t be impacted. The big concern is for companies and workers just starting the visa process, especially in sectors like technology, where foreign talent is crucial.

Impact on the Tech Industry

For tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who employ thousands of highly skilled workers from countries like India and China, this fee could be a major blow. While the larger companies might be able to absorb the extra costs, it’s likely to hurt smaller firms and startups that rely on foreign workers to fill high-demand positions in data science, AI, and cloud computing.

Many smaller tech companies simply won’t be able to afford these extra fees, which could lead to a consolidation of talent in the biggest corporations, making it harder for smaller firms to compete. Additionally, this could stifle innovation in the tech sector if smaller businesses lose access to the skilled labor they depend on.

What Does This Mean for Global Tech Talent?

While the U.S. has long been seen as the go-to destination for tech professionals, this move could change things. Countries like Canada and Australia, which have more lenient immigration policies and better support for skilled workers, may start attracting more international talent as tech workers look for better opportunities abroad.

In fact, some workers on H-1B visas are already considering making the switch to these countries, where it’s easier to gain permanent residency and work without the constant visa struggles. This could lead to a brain drain from the U.S., with talented professionals seeking greener pastures in other parts of the world.

What Are Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Doing About It?

These tech companies are moving fast to support their international employees. The major players, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, have been working with legal teams to figure out how to handle the new policy. Employees are being informed of the situation, and the companies are offering legal advice to help them navigate the new system.

They’ve also urged their H-1B visa holders to stay in the U.S. and not leave unless absolutely necessary. If employees are already abroad, they’ve been told to return to the U.S. before the new policy takes effect, which puts a lot of pressure on workers who may have been planning to visit family or take time off.

 A Potential Shift in the U.S. Tech Industry

The H-1B visa program has always been a cornerstone of the U.S. tech industry. However, with these new policies, many wonder whether the U.S. is beginning to lose its appeal as the tech industry’s global leader. As companies in other countries are now aggressively courting talented professionals, the U.S. could face a future where it becomes harder to attract the brightest minds in the tech field.

Some analysts believe that Canada and Australia are likely to benefit the most from these changes. Both countries have easier immigration pathways for skilled tech workers and have been pushing to grow their tech sectors. These changes may lead to a shift of talent away from the U.S. and towards more welcoming environments abroad.

Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?

For now, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are working hard to ensure that their foreign workers remain in the U.S. and that the transition process is as smooth as possible. The tech giants are exploring their options, and legal challenges against the new policy may still arise.

As for H-1B visa holders, the future remains uncertain. While the new policy might be a short-term hurdle, it could lead to long-term changes in how the U.S. tech industry operates, particularly in how it attracts and retains top talent.

Conclusion

The new $100,000 visa fee and the current administration’s immigration policies are raising significant concerns for foreign workers in the U.S. The H-1B program, which has long been the gateway for skilled tech workers to enter the U.S., is now facing challenges that could make it harder for companies to continue to rely on foreign talent.

While the U.S. government pushes forward with its agenda to tighten immigration, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are focusing on helping their employees adapt to these changes. However, for many tech professionals, this could be the beginning of a much larger shift, not just within the U.S., but on the global stage as countries like Canada and Australia continue to offer better opportunities for skilled workers.