JPMorgan’s external immigration counsel also advised H-1B visa holders to stay in the country and avoid international travel until further notice, according to Reuters.
Amazon has advised its employees on H-1B and H-4 visas to remain in the United States amid recent immigration developments. In a note seen by Reuters, the company said, “If you have H-1B status and are in the US, stay in the country for now.”
The advisory also recommended that H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US before 12:00 am EDT on September 21. This notice comes after similar alerts by Microsoft and JP Morgan following President Donald Trump’s proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The new rule will take effect on September 21 and remain in place for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
Microsoft has urged its employees on H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the US before the deadline. In a message, the company stated, “We strongly recommend H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US tomorrow before the deadline.”
JPMorgan’s external immigration counsel also advised H-1B visa holders to stay in the country and avoid international travel until further notice, according to Reuters.
Since taking office in January, President Trump has launched a strict immigration policy. This crackdown includes overhauling the H-1B visa program, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialized fields, and according to Trump’s executive order, some employers have used the H-1B program to suppress wages, putting American workers at a disadvantage.
The proposed rule introduces a $100,000 fee per H-1B visa for a three-year term. Currently, applicants pay a nominal fee to enter the lottery, with additional charges totaling only a few thousand dollars over the visa period.
India received the largest share of H-1B visas last year, accounting for 71% of approvals, followed by China at 11.7%, according to government data cited by Reuters. Many Indian professionals working in the US could be directly affected by the new fees and restrictions.
Echoing Trump’s stance, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “If you’re going to train somebody, you’re going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land. Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs.”
Lutnick noted that the details of the $100,000 H-1B fee are still being finalized. The new measures are expected to significantly impact foreign employees in the US, especially those from India and China.
