Microsoft has asked its H-1B and H-4 visa employees to return to the US by September 21 and remain in the country “for the foreseeable future,” according to Reuters.
The move follows US President Donald Trump’s proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.
Similarly, JPMorgan advised its H-1B visa holders to avoid international travel and return to the US before 12:01 ET on September 21.
The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign workers in high-skilled roles, including STEM and IT positions.
Trump’s proclamation cites alleged misuse of the program to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor and labels it a “national security threat.”
Under the order, the Secretary of Homeland Security will block petitions not accompanied by the $100,000 fee for 12 months, starting September 21, 2025. Indian workers hold the largest number of H-1B visas in the US.
