H-1B Visa fee hike may open new opportunities for laid-off tech workers

A recent increase in H-1B visa fees, now reaching $100,000 for new applicants, could offer an unexpected advantage to tech professionals recently laid off by major firms. This surge in costs might encourage companies to consider hiring H-1B holders who are already in the U.S., presenting a more cost-effective option than sponsoring new visas.

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Laid-off individuals with active H-1B visas have a 60-day grace period to secure new employment or leave the U.S. However, the new fee structure may prompt employers to recruit these workers rather than initiate a new visa process. This comes as over 144,000 tech workers were laid off across 533 rounds of job cuts in 2025, according to data from Trueup.

Benefits displaced professionals

The Trump administration’s H-1B visa fee hike may unintentionally benefit these displaced professionals. As highlighted by experts, companies could quickly hire these individuals through transfer petitions without the need for a costly lottery system, saving time and money. Recently laid-off H-1B professionals represent a ready-to-deploy talent pool for employers.

Despite the high costs, large corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Google, with their substantial financial resources, are expected to benefit most from these changes. However, smaller firms or those offering lower wages may face greater challenges in accommodating the increased fees.