KATHMANDU: U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order increasing the fees for the H-1B visa, which is granted to skilled workers.

The move is expected to reduce opportunities for skilled workers seeking employment in the United States.

Under the revised regulations, starting September 21, companies applying for H-1B visas must pay a talent fee of $100,000 (approximately Rs 14.1 million).

President Trump signed the executive order on Friday.

This new rule will not apply to individuals already in the U.S. on an H-1B visa.

The visa is issued for three years and can be renewed for up to six years. After completing six years in the U.S., applicants must take a one-year break before applying again.

The fee increase will not apply to visa renewals.

Similarly, the U.S. Department of Defense will be exempt when hiring for jobs deemed necessary for national interest.

Professionals in information technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and academic fields have typically received H-1B visas.

Major U.S. tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have used the H-1B program to bring in skilled workers.

In 2022, 613 Nepalis and 292 dependents obtained H-1B visas.

In 2023, 788 Nepalis and 343 dependents were granted the visa. In 2024, 780 Nepalis along with 287 dependents received H-1B visas.

Since 1990, the U.S. has issued H-1B visas to skilled workers from countries including India, China, and Nepal.

Approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders are Indian, 12% are Chinese, and Nepalis are among the top five nationalities receiving these visas.

The U.S. currently caps the number of skilled workers admitted under the H-1B program at 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 visas available for students holding a master’s degree or higher.

The H-1B program has also become a political issue, with concerns that foreign skilled workers are displacing U.S.-based professionals.