Major U.S. employers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Goldman Sachs have issued internal memos to their H-1B visa‐holding employees following the announcement of President Trump’s new H-1B rules. A proclamation introduced a dramatic fee increase and altered travel restrictions, effective September 21. The measures spurred companies to warn their employees to reconsider travel plans, remain in the U.S. if already inside, and promptly return if outside. These memos reflect both the severity of the new policy and the immediate impact on global talent working in tech, finance, and related sectors.
What the New Policy Requires
The central elements of the policy include:
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A $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications—far above previous costs.
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A travel restriction: after a certain date & time (midnight on September 21), individuals with H-1B status who do not pay the new fee with their petitions will face denial of U.S. entry.
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Clarification from the White House that existing H-1B holders are not affected—at least in terms of re-entry—though the fee will apply to new petitions.
These changes were abrupt, and companies report employees are scrambling to interpret what the “applicability” is, especially for staff traveling abroad or holding dependent visas (such as H-4).
Internal Company Guidance: Key Memos
Amazon
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Advised staff with H-1B status inside the U.S. to stay in the country for now, even if travel was planned, to avoid complications.
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For those with H-1B or H-4 (dependent) status outside the U.S., the recommendation was to return before the deadline of implementation (midnight on the effective date) if feasible.
Microsoft
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Urged employees to avoid international travel until clarity is established.
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Set up an “intake form” for those outside the U.S. needing assistance or support in returning or assessing their status.
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Warned staff about potential re-entry delays due to the new fee.
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Promised to monitor the situation and update employees.
Goldman Sachs
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Acknowledged the uncertainty and anxiety the changes are causing.
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Directed visa holders to consult their immigration representatives (Fragomen) for personalized guidance.
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Encouraged staff to stay connected with Human Capital/Legal/Immigration resources to understand how the changes affect them.
Who Is Affected
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New H-1B visa applications will carry the new fee.
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Existing holders appear not to be required to pay $100,000 for renewal or reentry; policy statements clarify that the fee “will not apply to existing valid H-1B visa holders.”
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Staff outside the U.S. with H-1B or H-4 status are particularly vulnerable: risk of being stranded, or having to return before the deadline to avoid complications.
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Dependents (H-4 visa holders) are also mentioned in company communications, though policy specifics for dependents are less clear.
Main Concerns Raised
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Travel Uncertainty: Employees are being told to cancel or postpone travel, or return immediately to avoid being unable to re-enter the U.S. under the new rules.
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Legal Ambiguity: Memo authors note the lack of clarity in how the proclamation applies to existing vs. new visas, renewals, overseas returns, etc.
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Personal Impact: Anxiety among foreign workers about family, logistics, and possible disruption to job security.
Broader Reactions & Context
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Tech companies, especially those heavily dependent on H-1B workers, are expressing concern that this policy may hamper their ability to retain talent.
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Foreign governments (e.g., India) warn of adverse fallout for both individuals and companies with close cross-border ties.
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Immigration law firms and corporate legal teams are scrambling to interpret the proclamation’s text.
Potential Implications
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Companies may shift more aggressively to remote work or hiring abroad if travel restrictions make physical relocation risky.
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Legal challenges could arise, particularly around whether such a large fee is within executive authority or whether Congress must approve.
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Because many H-1B holders are from countries like India, effects may ripple into immigration pipelines, international relations, and global mobility.
Navigating Uncertainty
These internal memos reflect how quickly visa policy shifts can affect thousands of foreign-worker employees, their employers, and their families. The guidance to “stay instead of risk travel,” to return before deadlines, and to consult legal or immigration experts underscores the gravity and urgency of the situation.
For companies, one takeaway may be to build more robust contingency planning for immigration changes. For affected individuals, staying informed and seeking personalized legal advice appear more critical than ever.
