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In response to a new presidential proclamation, prominent technology and finance corporations, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Goldman Sachs, have issued directives to their H-1B visa-holding employees. The Trump administration's recent mandate introduces a significant annual fee of $100,000 for H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025. This sudden policy shift has created a sense of urgency and uncertainty, compelling companies to advise their foreign workers to carefully consider their travel plans and, if currently abroad, to return to the U.S. promptly to mitigate potential re-entry issues. The memos highlight the immediate impact of these changes on international travel and emphasize the need for visa holders to remain in the country to maintain their status.

The presidential proclamation, signed by President Trump, specifies that a new $100,000 annual fee will be levied on H-1B visa applications. This regulation is set to commence on September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Consequently, individuals holding H-1B status will face a travel restriction, meaning they cannot re-enter the United States without this additional payment. This measure has far-reaching implications for tech and finance sectors that heavily rely on H-1B visas to employ skilled foreign workers. Companies are actively seeking clarification on the precise details of the proclamation and its comprehensive impact.

Amazon's internal communication, dated September 19, 2025, advised its H-1B employees to \"stay in the country for now,\" especially those with immediate travel plans. The memo also extended this recommendation to H-4 dependent visa holders, despite their not being explicitly mentioned in the proclamation. For those outside the U.S., Amazon urged them to return before the September 21 deadline to avoid complications. The company acknowledged the short notice but stressed the importance of clearing U.S. customs before the deadline.

Similarly, Microsoft issued an \"IMPORTANT ADVISORY\" to its H-1B visa holders. After reviewing the official text of the proclamation, Microsoft reiterated that the new rule primarily functions as a travel restriction. Their advisory strongly recommended that H-1B holders currently in the U.S. remain there for the foreseeable future to prevent re-entry denials. For employees abroad, Microsoft emphasized the critical need to return before the deadline and provided an intake form for those unable to do so, promising follow-up support and guidance. The company also clarified that other visa statuses, such as L-1 and TN, would not be affected.

Google's urgent update echoed similar concerns, informing employees that the proclamation would introduce significant changes to re-entry procedures for H-1B visa holders outside the country. Google's initial advice indicated that re-entry would necessitate a mandatory $100,000 payment per petition, potentially leading to substantial delays or outright denial of re-entry. The tech giant advised H-1B visa holders outside the U.S. to return before the September 21 deadline and strongly cautioned those within the U.S. against any international travel to avoid complications.

Goldman Sachs also provided guidance to its H-1B visa-holding staff. The financial institution acknowledged the concerns surrounding the executive order and its implications. They referred employees to an email from Fragomen, a global law firm specializing in corporate immigration, which offered initial guidance. Goldman Sachs emphasized exercising caution regarding international travel and maintaining communication with Fragomen representatives for updated information. Both Human Capital Management (HCM) and Legal teams at Goldman Sachs are collaborating with Fragomen to review the order's specifics and disseminate further details to employees.

The implementation of the new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, directly impacting a substantial number of highly skilled foreign workers in the technology and finance industries. This policy change has generated considerable anxiety and uncertainty among visa holders, prompting major corporations to swiftly issue guidance. The immediate focus for these companies and their employees is on navigating the stringent travel restrictions and financial requirements to ensure continuity of work and residence in the United States, while awaiting further clarification and potential legal challenges to the new regulations.