On the 19th (local time), President Trump signed a proclamation at the White House reforming the H-1B visa system with these provisions. The H-1B visa is for highly skilled foreign workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Currently, the issuance is limited to 85,000 cases annually, with a basic stay period of three years, extendable, and allows for permanent residency applications.
140 million won per year
Must be paid every year upon renewal
The Trump administration in the United States has decided to significantly increase the fees for the H-1B visa, commonly known as the professional visa. Each individual will be required to pay 100,000 dollars (approximately 140 million won) per year, and the same conditions will apply for up to six years.
With this measure, the application fee, which was previously 1,000 dollars, has been raised by as much as 100 times. Furthermore, the same amount must be paid every year upon renewal.
Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized, "Whether it is a renewal or an initial application, companies must determine whether this foreign worker is worth paying 100,000 dollars," adding, "The key point is that this cost applies every year for six years." He made it clear that "the United States will now accept only the very best," stressing the intent to prevent visa abuse.
President Trump also stated, "In some cases, companies will have to bear significant costs," and predicted that the overall number of H-1B issuances will decrease.
The proclamation highlighted concerns that the H-1B program has been used to replace American workers with low-wage foreign labor rather than to supplement American jobs. In particular, it criticized IT companies for laying off American employees and replacing them with foreign workers to cut costs.
Following the recent incident in which hundreds of Korean workers were detained at a Korean company construction site in Georgia, the United States and South Korea are currently discussing improvements to the visa system. Given these circumstances, the increased visa barriers in the United States are expected to impact Korean companies and technical personnel. However, some observers note that if the U.S. government establishes separate measures for dispatched personnel from Korean companies, the impact could be mitigated.
On the 8th, citizens are lining up in long queues at the United States Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to obtain U.S. visas. 2025.09.08 Photo by Yoon Dongju
원본보기 아이콘New 'Gold Card' for High-Paying Applicants
On the same day, President Trump also signed an executive order for a new permanent residency program called the "Gold Card." This program targets talented individuals and investors who can make substantial contributions to the United States. Individuals can receive expedited visa benefits by paying 1 million dollars, while companies must pay 2 million dollars.
The White House explained, "The Gold Card will open doors to successful entrepreneurs and investors and strengthen America's interests." President Trump also emphasized, "We will block illegal immigration and prioritize foreigners who benefit the United States."
Secretary Lutnick stated that the Gold Card will replace the existing EB-1 and EB-2 visas and will be capped at 80,000 per year. Applicants will also need to pay an additional 15,000 dollars for the review process.
He also mentioned that a "Platinum Card," which will allow up to 270 days of stay in the United States per year without taxes on overseas income for those who pay 5 million dollars, is in preparation. While this requires congressional approval, there is already a waiting list.
