Imagine being a middle schooler today, sitting in math class, not realizing that a decision made in Washington this fall could shape the kinds of tech jobs waiting when you graduate. With a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, the program that has long brought thousands of foreign tech workers into the U.S. may look very different in the coming decade, and that could mean a dramatic shift in opportunity for U.S.-born students preparing for careers in computer science and STEM
What’s going on?
- On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a new $100,000 fee per year for new H-1B visa applications (for specialty occupation foreign workers).
- Key clarifications:
• The fee applies to new applications, not to existing H-1B visa holders or renewals.
• It’s part of a broader overhaul that also includes changes to prevailing wages & entry restrictions.
Why does this matter?
The tech sector has long depended on H-1B visas to bring in skilled foreign workers, especially in computer science, engineering, and related fields. Many companies argue that they cannot fill certain roles with U.S.-born workers because of shortages or the need for specialized skills. At the same time, critics say the H-1B system has been used to undercut wages, hire cheaper foreign labor, or displace certain U.S.-born workers.
This new fee dramatically raises the cost of hiring foreign specialized labor under the H-1B program, which is likely to force employers to rethink whether to sponsor H-1B workers in many cases.
Short-term H-1B Visa Fee Impact on U.S. Tech Jobs:
Some of the immediate responses:
- Big tech and finance companies (Amazon, Microsoft, JPMorgan, etc.) have advised H-1B visa holders or their dependents either to stay in the U.S. or to return before the rule takes effect (to avoid travel/entry complications).
- India’s IT industry body, Nasscom, has expressed concern that this will disrupt existing operations, as many H-1B workers come from India and could be affected by the cost or by suddenly losing the ability to re-enter without paying.
Potential long-term impact on tech job availability for U.S. born students
Here are plausible scenarios over the next decade, depending on how the policy is implemented, how companies adapt, and how education responds.
| Timeframe | Potential Impact | What Might Happen | What It Means for U.S.-born kids in school now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | Employers reassess the cost-benefit of hiring foreign vs U.S. workers. Some roles that were previously filled via H-1B might be offered first to U.S.-born graduates. Companies may reduce hiring from abroad, especially for more junior or mid-level roles. | More U.S. students who do CS / STEM degrees may find somewhat more favorable hiring prospects early. The premium on skills and readiness may increase; internships and experience may matter more. | Students who focus on CS/STEM, who do well in school, get relevant projects, and build strong portfolios will be better positioned. Early exposure (coding, math, data) becomes more valuable. |
| 3–6 years | If the policy holds, fewer foreign workers in the pipeline means greater pressure (and incentive) for U.S. institutions to supply skilled tech talent. This could increase demand (and possibly wages) for U.S.-born STEM grads. But some gaps might remain if the talent pipeline isn’t large enough or if students don’t stay in STEM. Also potential for automation or outsourcing to respond to increased labor costs. | Tech companies may also invest more in training programs, apprenticeships, bootcamps in U.S., or shift portions of R&D abroad. U.S. born graduates may see more opportunities in mid-level roles. But competition could still be strong in top roles or cutting edge areas. | If you are in school, focusing on STEM skills now, getting good mentoring, side projects / coding portfolio, intern experience, anything that distinguishes you will help. Students in less advantaged schools might still fall behind unless resources improve. |
| 6–10 years | The cumulative effect could be a more U.S.-centric tech workforce, especially in entry-to-mid level roles. But potential risks: under-supply of highly specialized workers, delays in innovation if talent cannot be found domestically; possible acceleration of offshoring, remote work, or hiring contractors outside U.S. to avoid cost. Also, wage inflation in certain in-demand skills. | If successful, more U.S.-born tech workers, potentially higher wages for graduates in CS/STEM. But possible unintended side-effects: smaller firms or startups may struggle with the higher cost of hiring; areas of high specialized tech (like AI, quantum, etc.) may still see foreign talent dominance if U.S. supply lags. | Kids in high school today who aim for CS/STEM, especially if they prepare early, will likely have better relative opportunities. But success will depend heavily on quality of education, access to advanced math/computer science, exposure to modern tools, and ability to adapt (machine learning, AI, remote collaboration). |
Risks, uncertainties, and counterpoints
- The policy could face legal challenges because visa fee structures are often constrained by law, and there are questions about whether this fee can be implemented without Congress changing existing law.
- Companies may seek ways around this: increasing pay, shifting more roles remote (possibly hiring foreign workers remote or offshore), using other visa categories or permanent residency pathways.
- The supply of U.S. born students who are ready for high-end tech roles is not uniform. In many parts of the country, schools lack resources to teach advanced CS, or students lack mentorship/exposure. Unless that improves, simply shifting demand may leave many behind.
- The cost of the new fee may make some smaller companies less willing to sponsor foreign talent, concentrating tech hiring in large incumbents, potentially reducing available talent pools in the tech sector.
What this makes more attractive than ever: Getting a CS/STEM Education
Given the policy shift, for U.S.-born kids currently in school, the incentives are stronger for:
- Early exposure to STEM and computer science in middle/high school
- Pursuing quality CS / STEM degree paths in college
- Getting a track record: internships, side projects, contributions (open source, etc.)
- Keeping skills current (e.g. AI, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity) because demand will concentrate on roles that are hard to fill.
If this $100,000 fee takes effect over the long term and remains in place, it could tilt the employment playing field somewhat more in favor of U.S.-born tech workers, especially for entry and mid-level roles. For kids in schools now, this could mean better job prospects if they commit to STEM education and work hard to acquire skills. Outcomes will depend on the quality of education, access, and the rate at which the domestic talent pool scales. A new federal order changes the cost of hiring international workers. For kids in school today, it’s another reminder that computer science isn’t optional, it’s an opportunity.
