Overview

• Employers would pay the new H-1B levy each year for potentially up to six years, a dramatic jump from prior fees that rarely topped about $5,000.
• Roughly 500,000 specialists currently work in the U.S. on H-1B visas, with a large share from India, positioning the policy to affect a sizable workforce.
• Universities and technology firms that depend on H-1B talent are expected to face higher costs and hiring pressures under the new regime.
• A new $1 million individual 'gold card' offers a paid path to residency, which critics say may attract wealthy applicants from Russia, China, or Saudi Arabia and raise security concerns.
• Companies can purchase a $2 million corporate 'gold card' to sponsor employees, and a separate $5 million 'platinum card' is outlined but not yet operational, allowing up to 270 days' residence without taxing foreign income.