H-1B Shockwaves: Effects on Students and Professionals
The Breaking News
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation that fundamentally reshapes the U.S. H-1B visa program. The centerpiece: a $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications.
The change takes effect September 21, 2025, and applies primarily to new applicants from outside the U.S. Existing H-1B holders and those already in the country will not face this new charge when renewing or re-entering.
Still, this is one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. immigration policy in decades. For diaspora students, families, and professionals, the ripple effects are immediate and profound.
What Exactly Changed
New Fee: $100,000 annual payment required for H-1B visa applications filed from abroad.
Scope: Applies to new applicants seeking entry; existing visa holders are largely exempt.
Entry Restrictions: Those unable to make the payment may be denied entry at the border.
Exemptions: Certain cases may be waived if deemed “in the national interest,” but details are vague.
What This Means for Diaspora Communities
Students at a Crossroads
For international and diaspora students in the U.S., the traditional pathway has been: F-1 visa → Optional Practical Training (OPT) → H-1B sponsorship. The new $100K fee threatens this pipeline. Employers may hesitate to sponsor fresh graduates, especially for entry-level roles.Employers Pulling Back
Big firms (Amazon, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase) are already advising staff abroad to return before the deadline. Smaller companies and startups may simply opt out of H-1B sponsorship altogether.India & East Africa in the Spotlight
Since a large share of H-1B visas go to Indian nationals and other diaspora communities, this policy hits hardest in countries where tech, healthcare, and engineering graduates look to the U.S. for opportunities.Wider Risk: Skills Shortage in the U.S.
The U.S. has long relied on foreign talent in STEM, healthcare, and education. A cost barrier this steep may discourage even highly qualified talent, potentially leading to shortages that hurt U.S. competitiveness.
Where We Fit In
At TISSO, we see three urgent roles for our community:
1. Educating Students and Families
Through our TISSO (Tukole International Student Services Office), we will provide up-to-date guidance on immigration changes. Our Graduation Tracker and advising services will help students adapt, plan earlier, and diversify their career pathways.
2. Creating Alternative Pathways
We are working with diaspora chambers and businesses to:
Expand internships and apprenticeships with U.S. diaspora firms.
Build diaspora investment funds that create jobs at home and abroad.
Strengthen entrepreneurship programs so graduates can build, not just seek, jobs.
3. Advocacy and Partnership
This fee is not just a number — it’s a barrier to opportunity. Tukole will stand with other nonprofits, chambers, and advocacy groups to:
Push for exemptions for students and critical workers.
Lobby for alternatives that protect U.S. jobs without blocking diaspora talent.
Engage with policymakers to shape a balanced approach.
Our Call to Action
Students & Families: Stay informed. Join TISSO programs to understand your options and get real-time updates.
Employers & Partners: Work with us to build alternative recruitment, internship, and sponsorship pipelines.
Diaspora Leaders: Rally behind advocacy that protects opportunities for our communities.
Tukole exists to ensure that changes like these don’t derail the dreams of a generation. Together, we can turn disruption into opportunity.
Final Word
The H-1B visa has long been a bridge for diaspora students and professionals into the American economy. By attaching a $100,000 price tag, that bridge has become harder to cross.
But at Tukole, we believe the diaspora is resourceful, resilient, and ready to build new bridges — in education, business, and global trade.
This is not the end of the story. It’s the start of a new chapter — and we’re writing it together.
Join TISSO today to get support on education, visas, and career planning.
