Summary
Amazon Assures Safety: Urgent H-1B & H-4 Visa Guidance Amid $100K Fee Rule — in this crucial update, Amazon has issued important advice to its H-1B and H-4 visa holders, urging them to stay in or return to the U.S. before the September 21 deadline. This high-stakes change comes after the Trump administration signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee on each H-1B visa, a policy shift that’s sending ripples through the tech industry, especially among employees from India and China.
Amazon Assures Safety Summary:
Recent immigration developments have prompted Amazon, along with other major tech firms, to send urgent guidance to employees on H-1B and H-4 visas. The heart of the matter? A sweeping proclamation signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, which imposes a staggering $100,000 annual fee on each H-1B visa application or renewal.
What Amazon & Other Tech Giants Are Saying: Amazon Assures Safety
- Amazon has advised its H-1B and H-4 visa holders to remain in the United States, especially if they are already in the country, and to avoid international travel for now. Employees outside the U.S. are strongly encouraged to return before midnight EDT on September 21.
- Microsoft issued a similar directive, recommending its visa-holding workforce return before the deadline and stay in the U.S. if possible.
- JPMorgan Chase also joined in, telling its externally-located H-1B workers to reenter the U.S. promptly, while advising those inside to avoid travel until further clarity.
Why This Change Matters: Amazon Assures Safety
- Massive Fee Increase: The newly imposed $100,000 fee is a dramatic rise, intended by the administration to prioritize “very highly skilled” foreign workers and reduce what it calls misuse of the program.
- Timing Critical: The effective deadline of September 21 means those planning travel or working abroad may face denial of reentry—or significantly higher costs—if they don’t adjust their plans.
- Biggest Impact on Indians & Chinese: India accounted for roughly 71% of approved H-1B holders last year; China was second with about 11.7%. These communities will feel the changes most acutely.
What Visa Holders Should Do: Amazon Assures Safety
- If you’re on an H-1B or H-4 visa and currently inside the U.S., stay put if possible, and avoid travel to prevent reentry complications.
- If you’re abroad, plan to return to the U.S. before midnight EDT on September 21.
- Consult your company’s HR or immigration department; many large employers are proactively coordinating these return advisories.
Looking Ahead: Amazon Assures Safety
- Companies may challenge the proclamation in court, arguing that such high fees or severe travel constraints interfere with existing contracts or legal visa status.
- The policy may force firms to reconsider reliance on H-1B talent, pushing some skill acquisition, hiring, or operations outside the U.S.
- Workers will likely seek clarity on renewals, employer obligations, and whether exemptions or phased implementation will be granted.
Conclusion: Amazon Assures Safety
Amazon Assures Safety with urgent guidance amid the new $100K fee rule—that’s a clear signal that foreign-working professionals and tech companies are facing major policy shifts. For H-1B and H-4 visa holders—especially from India and China—this is a time to act fast, stay informed, and align plans with the looming deadline of September 21.
Stay tuned for legal updates, feepolicies, and employer support programs as this unfolds.
Amazon Assures Safety, FAQs: Amazon, H-1B Visa Fee Hike & Employee Advisory Explained
1. What prompted Amazon’s urgent advisory to H-1B and H-4 visa holders?
Amazon issued its advisory after the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, announced a $100,000 annual fee on each H-1B visa, effective September 21, 2025. The company wants employees to avoid travel disruptions or unexpected costs.
2. What exactly did Amazon recommend for its visa-holding employees?
Amazon urged all H-1B and H-4 visa holders to stay in the U.S. if they are already there and for those abroad to return before midnight EDT on September 21, 2025, to avoid complications under the new rule.
3. Did other companies issue similar warnings?
Yes. Microsoft told its employees to return before the deadline, and JPMorgan Chase advised workers to stay in the country and avoid unnecessary travel until further clarity emerges on the visa rules.
4. Why is the $100,000 H-1B visa fee so significant for tech workers?
Previously, H-1B visa fees were only a few thousand dollars in total. The new fee represents a massive cost increase that could limit opportunities for skilled workers, especially from countries like India and China, which dominate H-1B approvals.
5. How many H-1B visas did big tech companies get in 2025?
In the first half of 2025:
- Amazon and AWS received over 12,000 approvals
- Microsoft and Meta Platforms each had more than 5,000 approvals
These numbers highlight why the new policy impacts the tech industry so heavily.
6. Why are Indians most affected by this policy change?
India accounted for 71% of all approved H-1B visas in the previous year, with China a distant second at 11.7%. The fee hike, along with travel restrictions, directly impacts thousands of Indian professionals working in U.S. tech roles.
7. What is the new ‘Gold Card’ visa program mentioned by Trump?
Alongside the H-1B changes, Trump announced a ‘Gold Card’ visa with fees of $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses. It is aimed at attracting top-tier talent and wealthy entrepreneurs who can invest and create jobs in the U.S.
8. What steps should H-1B and H-4 visa holders take now?
- Stay in the U.S. if already present
- Return before September 21, 2025 if abroad
- Coordinate with employers or immigration lawyers for guidance
- Avoid unnecessary travel until official clarifications are issued
9. Will this impact Green Card and U.S. citizenship applicants?
Yes. The U.S. is also introducing a tougher citizenship test with 128 study questions, where applicants must correctly answer 12 out of 20 questions orally. This could make permanent residency and citizenship more challenging for many.
10. Could this rule face legal or political challenges?
Industry experts believe there may be court challenges or congressional reviews given the economic impact and potential labor shortages this fee hike could create in the U.S. technology sector.