Trump and the H1-B Visa: The Potential Impact on UK Immigration
On 19 September 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a major change to the application process for skilled foreign workers in the US, introducing a new $100,000 administrative fee for H-1B visa applicants. This charge represents a 50-fold increase in the application costs for this route, leaving both companies and workers stunned and uncertain of their future in the US. In light of these developments, the UK stands out as an especially attractive alternative for both individuals and employers seeking stability and new opportunities.
What is the effect of the change?
At this moment in time, the specific details of the proclamation are unclear – in the announcement made from the White House, it was stated that applications under the H1-B program would need to be accompanied by a $100,000 payment on an annual basis, whilst a follow-up from the White House Press Secretary from Karoline Leavitt declared that it would only be a one-time fee. The widespread confusion has led to workers spending thousands of dollars on flights back to the US, in fear of the possibility that they would not be permitted to enter the country without the exorbitant payment being made.
Regardless of the exact frequency of the payment, what is clear is that it represents a startling increase in the fees associated with the H1-B visa, in response to what the White House stated was ‘abuse’ of cheaper foreign labour, and represented a threat to national security.
Who is affected?
The technology sector appears to be the most significantly impacted , with over 65% of the IT workforce in the US on H-1B visas. Big names including Amazon, Microsoft and Meta all have over 5,000 employees in the US on H-1B visas, with Microsoft warning visa holders over the weekend to stay in the US for the foreseeable future.
The impact is especially significant for Indian nationals, who accounted for over 70% of approved visas in 2024. The second-highest recipient of H-1B visas are Chinese nationals, at 11.7% of approved visas in 2024. The move has been strongly opposed by the Indian government, with commerce minister Piyush Goyal stating that the U.S. is “a little afraid of our talent”, whilst the Indian external affairs ministry looked to highlight the potential humanitarian impact the policy would have on such a significant number of migrants.
It is entirely possible that for the highest paying roles, companies may be willing to pay the $100,000 toll, but data for 2024 shows that the median salary for new H-1B employees was $97,000, and it is those roles that are most likely to be threatened by the changes.
UK immigration alternatives
For companies and workers whose status in the US is threatened by Trump’s newest announcement, the UK may represent a viable alternative for them to continue their work, particularly under the Skilled Worker and Global Talent routes.
In the Home Office’s Immigration White Paper, published in May 2025, the need to attract the ‘brightest and best global talent’ was emphasised, and the Trump administration’s move to jettison skilled migration from US policy has presented a remarkable opportunity for the UK to position itself as an attractive position both for companies and workers already in the US who are being forced out, in addition to workers from key areas such as India and China who have had their path to the US effectively blocked.
While Keir Starmer’s government has yet to issue a formal response to the latest H-1B visa reforms proposed by Donald Trump, reports suggest that the UK may be considering a significant reduction—or complete removal—of application fees under the Global Talent visa route. This move would be aimed at attracting leading figures in science and technology who might otherwise have pursued opportunities in the United States.
The Global Talent route is designed for individuals who have either received an eligible prize in their field or can demonstrate exceptional talent or promise within their sector.
For those who may not qualify under the Global Talent criteria, the UK’s Skilled Worker route presents a compelling alternative. With substantially lower costs compared to the H-1B visa and a greater sense of political and regulatory stability, the UK is positioning itself as an attractive destination for global companies seeking to relocate operations and talent.
Conclusion
As the US introduces restrictive and expensive measures for skilled foreign workers, the UK is able to offer a new home for companies and foreign workers alike. The Global Talent and Skilled Worker visas offer an attractive route for those seeking to move their work away from the US, and for those particularly affected by the new H-1B rules, where the UK may look to profit from the Trump administration’s latest move to curtail skilled migration.
