WASHINGTON : U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation requiring companies to pay an annual fee of $100,000 for each foreign worker sponsored under the H-1B visa programme, a dramatic escalation in costs for firms that rely on skilled overseas talent.

The measure, announced on Friday, is aimed at restricting the use of the visas to what the White House described as only the “most critical and specialized positions.” The administration said the change was intended to curb what it views as abuse of the system and to prioritise jobs for American workers.

Alongside the new fee, Trump unveiled a separate initiative dubbed the “Gold Card” visa, offering a pathway to permanent U.S. residency for foreign nationals who are willing to invest $1 million.

The H-1B visa scheme has long been used by U.S. technology and engineering companies to fill gaps in their workforce. Critics of the new policy argue that such a steep fee could shut out smaller businesses and start-ups, limit innovation, and undermine the country’s ability to compete for global talent.

Supporters, however, welcomed the move as a way to discourage overreliance on foreign labour and ensure that only firms with the strongest need for international expertise pursue H-1B sponsorship.

The legality of the new fee could face challenges, since visa costs are normally determined by congressional legislation rather than presidential proclamation.

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