Overview

• President Trump’s proclamation is in force for petitions filed from September 21 and applies only to new H‑1B applications, not to current holders or routine renewals.
• Before that clarification, major employers urged staff abroad to return quickly, fueling a flight scramble that coincided with reported far‑right attempts to clog booking systems.
• Tech firms and analysts say the six‑figure charge will sharply raise hiring costs, slow U.S. recruiting and accelerate offshoring or hiring in lower‑cost locations.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will soon present an offering to attract workers who previously would have obtained U.S. H‑1B visas, with the UK and Germany also positioning for that talent.
• Immigration lawyers forecast lawsuits to challenge the directive, citing questions over how the fee was imposed and potential economic harm.