JPMorgan economists predict the H-1B visa's new $100,000 fee could cut 5,500 work authorizations per month

"The report, published Tuesday, predicts that the US may see 5,500 fewer work authorizations each month as companies chafe at the eye-popping $100,000 cost for every new application they file. They reached that number by taking the total number of new employment petitions for fiscal 2024, or 141,000, and projecting how many of them were processed in consulates outside the United States. Those roughly 65,000 consular petitions are most likely to be impacted by the new fee, the report said."

""It is possible that this change will make it less attractive for foreign students to come to the United States to study," the report warned, adding that the changes could reduce this population's post-graduation job opportunities in the US. The sweeping policy change, signed by President Trump on Friday, is designed to keep US jobs in the hands of American workers."

JPMorgan economists estimate the $100,000 charge for each new H-1B application could cut approximately 5,500 work authorizations per month. The projection uses 141,000 new employment petitions from fiscal 2024 and identifies about 65,000 consular-processed petitions as most exposed to the fee. The higher cost may deter foreign students from studying in the United States and reduce their post-graduation job opportunities. The policy is presented as a measure to keep jobs for American workers. Consulting firms and technology employers, with many beneficiaries from India and computer-related roles, are likely to be especially affected.

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