On September 20, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation that dramatically raises visa fees for highly-skilled foreign workers and introduces a costly “gold card” visa for wealthy individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. These moves face legal challenges and widespread criticism for bypassing Congress.
- President Trump signed new high-skilled visa fees.
- $100,000 visa fee increase for H-1B visas.
- Introduction of $1 million “gold card” visa.
- Critics argue moves bypass Congress and legal challenges.
- Tech companies claim support for visa fee hikes.
- Changes may reduce H-1B visa issuance significantly.
The new rules will raise the visa fee for skilled workers from $215 to $100,000 annually. Investor visas will cost between $10,000 and $20,000 per year, up from current fees. Trump also announced a $1 million “gold card” visa, offering a route to citizenship for wealthy applicants, with a $2 million sponsorship fee for companies. The “Trump Platinum Card” costs $5 million, allowing up to 270 days in the U.S. without paying taxes on non-U.S. income. These measures aim to curb the number of H-1B visas, which are often used for tech jobs, and replace existing investor and employment-based visas.
- The visa fee for high-skilled workers will jump from $215 to $100,000 annually.
- The new $1 million “gold card” offers a fast track to citizenship for wealthy foreigners.
- Major tech companies have not publicly opposed the fee hikes, claiming industry support.
- Critics say these changes will reduce H-1B visas and increase costs for companies and workers.
The move is part of a broader effort to restrict immigration and prioritize American workers, but it risks legal battles and economic impacts. The changes could lead to fewer foreign workers in U.S. tech and research sectors, while the wealthy may find new, expensive pathways to citizenship.
