Trump hikes the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 — What it means for Nigerians

Many Nigerians will be significantly affected as Trump hikes the H-1B visa fee to $100,000. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing an annual $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. The move is expected to significantly reshape the future of foreign professionals, including thousands of Nigerians, who rely on the H-1B program to secure high-paying jobs in the United States.

What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa classification that allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialised fields such as medicine, technology, and engineering. Traditionally, employers pay around $1,500 in administrative fees to process these visas, which are valid for three to six years. By raising the fee to $100,000 annually, the Trump administration has effectively made access to this pathway much more restrictive.

Impact on Nigerian Professionals

The new policy is expected to hit Nigerian doctors, engineers, and IT specialists the hardest. Nigerians have increasingly turned to the H-1B visa as a gateway to employment opportunities in the U.S. healthcare and technology sectors. With the steep hike, many Nigerians may find it difficult to compete with U.S. graduates or secure sponsorship from employers who will likely prioritise American workers.

Trump Administration’s Position

Howard Lutnick, U.S. Commerce Secretary, explained at a briefing that major corporations had already been notified about the change.

“A hundred thousand dollars a year for H-1B visas, and all of the big companies are on board. We’ve spoken to them,” Lutnick said at an Oval Office event with Trump.

Trump reiterated his long-standing stance that companies should prioritise training American graduates over hiring foreigners. This marks yet another attempt by his administration to curb legal immigration into the United States.

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The Stakes for the U.S. Tech Industry

The H-1B visa program has long been a point of contention between Trump and the U.S. technology industry. Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta rely heavily on foreign talent, including Nigerians, to fill critical roles.

• Amazon secured more than 10,000 H-1B visas in the first half of 2025.
• Microsoft and Meta each obtained over 5,000 approvals.

Given that two-thirds of H-1B jobs are computer-related, industry leaders warn that the fee hike could create severe talent shortages, harming U.S. innovation and competitiveness.

Supporters vs. Critics of the H-1B Program

• Critics argue that the visa suppresses wages and reduces opportunities for American workers.
• Supporters, including Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, believe that foreign professionals are crucial in filling talent gaps and maintaining the U.S.’s global competitiveness.

For Nigerians, this debate translates into uncertainty. While the demand for Nigerian professionals in healthcare and technology remains strong, the steep cost of entry may discourage U.S. employers from pursuing Nigerian talent.

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What This Means Going Forward

The annual quota for the H-1B visa program remains at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 for applicants holding advanced degrees. However, with the new $100,000 annual fee, employers may significantly scale back their international recruitment efforts.

For Nigerians to be affected as Trump hikes the H-1B visa fee to $100,000, this policy could slow down migration trends, particularly among skilled professionals seeking opportunities in America. It may also encourage Nigerian talent to look toward other destinations, such as Canada, the U.K., and Australia, where immigration pathways are more accessible.