What the $100k H1B Visa Means for Software Engineers

In a nutshell, the U.S. just slapped a $100K fee on all new H-1B visa petitions—turning once-affordable sponsorship into a major line-item headache. The goal? Cool off reliance on foreign tech talent, boost U.S. hires, and force companies to rethink budgets, headcounts, and wage tiers.

For software engineers, this means tougher odds for non-U.S. applicants (think pricier sponsorship and fewer slots), possible entry-level wins for American candidates, and a scramble toward alternative routes: remote work, self-sponsorship, or even relocating to friendlier tech hubs abroad.

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