Post by : Naveen Mittal

Big Tech Stocks Hold Steady Amid US Visa Fee Hike

On September 22, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge for new applications. This policy targets companies that employ a substantial number of foreign workers, particularly in the technology sector. In response, major tech firms such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Goldman Sachs issued urgent travel advisories to their employees, urging them to remain in or return to the U.S. promptly.

Stock Market Response

Despite the policy change, shares of the so-called "Magnificent 7" tech giants—Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla—remained relatively stable in Frankfurt trading. Stock movements ranged from a 0.2% decline to a 1.1% increase. For instance, Microsoft (MSFT) traded at $517.93, Amazon (AMZN) at $231.48, Alphabet (GOOGL) at $254.72, and Meta Platforms (META) at $778.38.

Implications for Tech Labor and Immigration Policy

The new visa fee structure represents a significant shift from the previous system, where companies paid relatively low lottery and processing fees for H-1B applications. The change could have broad implications for tech labor and immigration policy, potentially affecting the ability of companies to hire skilled foreign workers.

Conclusion

While the immediate market reaction to the H-1B visa fee hike has been muted, the long-term effects on the tech industry remain uncertain. Companies may need to adapt their hiring strategies and operations to navigate the evolving immigration landscape.