Published on
September 27, 2025
As the U.S. introduces a controversial $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants, countries like Turkey, Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and other European nations now find themselves facing new challenges in securing travel and work opportunities for their skilled professionals. The fee, which aims to limit the number of foreign workers entering the U.S., could have significant implications for skilled workers from these countries, especially those in high-demand industries like technology, engineering, and finance. While countries such as Turkey have a growing presence of professionals in fields like software development and data analytics, the new fee could severely limit the number of workers able to take advantage of the H-1B program.
For European nations like Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium, whose workers have historically filled key roles in the U.S. labor market, the added financial burden may result in fewer opportunities for their nationals. Smaller U.S. companies, which often sponsor foreign workers, may struggle to absorb the new costs, potentially leading to job reductions, wage cuts, or fewer job openings for talented foreign professionals. This could stifle innovation and collaboration in key industries, making it more difficult for European talent to contribute to the U.S. economy. As these countries now face the compounded challenges of an already competitive visa process and a significantly higher application fee, the future flow of skilled professionals from Europe to the U.S. could be dramatically impacted.
Turkey: Strong H-1B Visa Presence at Risk with New Fee
In 2024, Turkey received 1,432 H-1B visa approvals, representing 0.4% of the total applications. Turkish professionals are highly sought after in industries such as technology, engineering, and finance, with particular expertise in areas like software development, data analytics, and engineering. Their contributions are essential to U.S. companies, especially in fields that drive technological innovation and business growth.
However, the newly introduced $100,000 fee for H-1B applicants could present significant challenges for Turkish nationals. Smaller U.S. companies, which are often the primary sponsors for skilled foreign workers, may find it financially difficult to cover this increased cost. As a result, job opportunities for Turkish professionals could become more limited. For those already working in the U.S., the fee might lead to wage reductions or job insecurity, particularly in smaller firms, affecting career stability and growth. This fee could ultimately reduce the flow of Turkish talent to the U.S., impacting innovation and collaboration across key sectors.
Austria: Limited H-1B Visa Approvals and the Challenge of the New Fee
In 2024, Austria received 116 H-1B visa approvals, representing nearly 0% of the total applications. Although the number of Austrian professionals entering the U.S. through the H-1B visa program is minimal, they contribute valuable skills, particularly in technology, engineering, and finance. Austrian nationals are known for their expertise in areas such as software development, mechanical engineering, and financial consulting, making them important assets in the U.S. job market.
However, with the newly introduced $100,000 visa fee, the already small flow of Austrian talent to the U.S. may face even greater obstacles. Smaller U.S. companies, which are often the key sponsors for foreign workers, may find the added cost prohibitive. This could reduce job opportunities for Austrian professionals, particularly in startups and smaller firms. For those already working in the U.S., the fee could lead to wage reductions or job instability, limiting career growth and innovation.
Portugal: Minimal Impact on U.S. Workforce from H-1B Visas
In 2024, Portugal received 141 H-1B visa approvals, accounting for nearly 0% of the total applications. Although the number of Portuguese professionals entering the U.S. under this visa category is relatively small, those who do come bring valuable expertise, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and research. Portuguese nationals are well-regarded for their skills in areas such as software development, data analysis, and renewable energy technologies.
However, with the newly introduced $100,000 fee for H-1B applicants, the already limited flow of Portuguese talent to the U.S. may face even greater obstacles. Smaller U.S. companies, which typically sponsor H-1B applicants from countries like Portugal, may find the increased cost burdensome, potentially reducing opportunities for Portuguese workers. The fee could also limit the career growth and job stability of those already employed in the U.S., particularly in smaller firms that may struggle with the added financial strain.
Netherlands: Modest H-1B Visa Presence and the Impact of New Fee
In 2024, the Netherlands received 227 H-1B visa approvals, accounting for 0.1% of the total applications. While the number of Dutch professionals obtaining H-1B visas is relatively small, they contribute significantly to sectors such as technology, engineering, and finance. Dutch nationals are known for their expertise in software development, data science, and IT infrastructure, making them valuable assets in the U.S. job market.
The newly introduced $100,000 visa fee, however, could pose challenges for Dutch professionals seeking to work in the U.S. Smaller U.S. companies, often the primary sponsors of foreign talent, may find the additional cost burdensome. This could limit the job opportunities for Dutch nationals, especially in startups and smaller firms. Furthermore, for those already in the U.S., the increased fee might lead to wage reductions or job insecurity, potentially slowing career growth and innovation within their respective fields.
Switzerland: Limited Presence in U.S. Talent Pool via H-1B Visas
In 2024, Switzerland received only 158 H-1B visa approvals, representing nearly 0% of the total applications. Although the number of Swiss professionals obtaining H-1B visas is minimal, those who do secure positions in the U.S. are often highly skilled, with expertise in areas like finance, technology, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Swiss nationals are recognized for their proficiency in fields such as software development, banking, and advanced engineering.
However, the newly imposed $100,000 fee for H-1B applicants could create additional challenges for Swiss professionals seeking to enter the U.S. job market. Given that smaller U.S. companies, which are often sponsors of foreign talent, may struggle to cover the increased costs, opportunities for Swiss nationals may become even more limited. For those already employed in the U.S., the fee could result in salary reductions or job insecurity, further hindering career advancement in their respective industries.
Belgium: Minimal H-1B Visa Approvals and the Impact of the New Fee
In 2024, Belgium received 178 H-1B visa approvals, accounting for nearly 0% of the total applications. Despite the small number of Belgian professionals entering the U.S. through the H-1B visa program, they bring valuable expertise, particularly in technology, engineering, and research. Belgian nationals are highly regarded for their skills in software development, data science, and industrial engineering.
With the introduction of the $100,000 visa fee, the already limited number of Belgian professionals seeking U.S. employment could face even greater barriers. Smaller U.S. employers, who are often the main sponsors of foreign talent, may find it difficult to manage the additional cost. This could result in fewer opportunities for Belgian nationals. For those already employed in the U.S., the fee could lead to wage reductions or job instability, ultimately hindering career progression and limiting the influx of Belgian talent into the U.S. workforce.
H-1B Visa Approvals by Country: 2024 Breakdown and Key Sectors
United Kingdom: In 2024, the UK received 1,005 H-1B visa approvals, representing 0.7% of the total. British nationals are in demand, especially in technology, finance, and engineering sectors, with major firms like Google and Microsoft actively recruiting.
France: France received 733 H-1B visa approvals in 2024, making up 0.5% of the total. French professionals excel in IT, engineering, and healthcare, bringing valuable expertise in fields such as AI, medical research, and cybersecurity.
Spain: Spain was approved for 1,043 H-1B visas in 2024, accounting for 0.3% of the total applications. Spanish nationals are crucial in technology, engineering, and finance, contributing significantly to U.S. business growth and innovation.
Germany: In 2024, Germany secured 1,030 H-1B visas, making up 0.3% of the total. German professionals are highly valued in engineering, technology, and finance, particularly for their skills in mechanical engineering, software development, and finance.
Italy: Italy received 989 H-1B visas in 2024, representing 0.2% of the total applications. Italian nationals are recruited for their expertise in software development, architecture, and industrial design, contributing to key sectors in the U.S.
Trump Defends $100,000 H-1B Fee to Prioritize Top Talent
In a controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump defended the introduction of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, claiming it would help attract only the “top-tier” talent to the U.S. and encourage companies to prioritize hiring American workers. During a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, Trump, along with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, argued that the fee would address widespread abuse of the H-1B system. The administration contended that the fee would prevent companies from using the program to replace U.S. workers with lower-paid foreign labor. Initially, the fee was mistakenly perceived as an annual charge for existing visa holders, but the White House clarified that it would be a one-time charge for new applicants, starting with the March 2026 lottery. Alongside this change, the administration proposed further reforms, including modifications to the H-1B lottery system and the introduction of a $1 million “gold card” visa, as part of its “America First” agenda to limit immigration and prioritize U.S. workers.
Positive Impacts of the $100,000 H-1B Fee: Supporters’ PerspectiveProtecting American Workers: Supporters argue that the $100,000 fee will safeguard U.S. workers by incentivizing employers to prioritize American talent over foreign workers who are often paid less. The increased cost of hiring foreign professionals provides an added incentive for companies to give preference to domestic candidates in industries where both U.S. and foreign workers are vying for similar roles.Targeting Highly Skilled Talent: The administration asserts that the fee is designed to attract only the most highly skilled professionals to the U.S. By raising the cost of obtaining an H-1B visa, the fee is viewed as a way to filter out less qualified applicants, ensuring the U.S. benefits from top global talent.Addressing Program Abuse: Another key reason for the fee is to curb the misuse of the H-1B visa program, which some companies have used to replace U.S. workers with lower-paid foreign employees. Proponents believe the fee will help ensure that the program serves its original purpose: bringing skilled workers into roles that cannot be filled by American talent.Potential Negative Impacts of the $100,000 H-1B FeeHindered Innovation and Competitiveness: Critics warn that the $100,000 fee could harm innovation, particularly in the tech industry, where there is high demand for skilled foreign talent. The increased cost could make it harder for U.S. companies to recruit top international professionals, particularly smaller startups that rely heavily on foreign workers with specialized skills. This could hinder productivity and innovation, ultimately affecting America’s global competitiveness.Job Market Disruption: While the fee is intended to protect American jobs, some analysts believe it may accelerate offshoring or nearshoring to countries like India and Canada, which have well-established tech industries. This shift could lead to job losses in the U.S., undermining the very objective of the fee—to protect domestic workers.Challenges for Small Businesses and Startups: Smaller businesses, which may not have the financial resources to absorb the increased costs, could face difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled foreign talent. This could stifle growth, particularly in industries that require specialized skills, limiting innovation and slowing down the expansion of small businesses and startups.Impact on Healthcare and Education Sectors: Industries heavily reliant on foreign professionals, such as healthcare and education, could face significant recruitment challenges due to the new fee. Professionals such as doctors, nurses, researchers, and educators may be discouraged by the added cost, exacerbating talent shortages in these critical sectors and potentially leading to gaps in workforce capacity.Strain on India-U.S. Relations: India, a major source of H-1B applications, is expected to be significantly affected by the fee hike. The country has long benefitted from the mobility of its skilled labor to the U.S., and this new policy could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries. As India remains a key contributor to the U.S. H-1B workforce, the fee may affect future cooperation and bilateral ties.
In 2024, Turkey received 1,432 H-1B visa approvals, representing 0.4% of the total applications. However, with the new $100,000 fee introduced by the U.S., Turkish professionals, along with those from Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and other European countries, now face significant challenges. This fee could limit job opportunities, hinder innovation, and reduce the flow of skilled talent from these nations to the U.S.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of the $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants by the U.S. poses significant challenges for skilled professionals from Turkey, Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and other European nations. This new financial burden is likely to limit job opportunities, particularly in smaller U.S. companies that often sponsor foreign talent. As a result, the flow of highly skilled workers from these countries could slow down, potentially hindering innovation and growth in key industries. The impact on international cooperation and talent mobility underscores the need for a balanced approach that fosters global collaboration while addressing domestic labor market concerns.
