The $100,000 H-1B Fee: A Turning Point for Global Hiring
The announcement of a potential $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa has created turbulence across the business world. For decades, the H-1B has been the main pathway for companies to bring international talent into the US. Now, with a cost that puts this out of reach for many, organizations are being pushed to rethink how and where they build their teams.
But here’s the bigger picture: this isn’t only about a visa fee. It’s about the future of global mobility, the ability to build global organizations, and having access to talent wherever it is.
The new reality for international hiring
The H-1B process was already strained. With lotteries, waiting lists, and unpredictable timelines, it was far from straightforward. A six-figure fee doesn’t just complicate the process, it fundamentally changes the model.
This shift will accelerate trends that were already underway:
- Distributed teams over relocation: Businesses can access talent without physically moving people across borders.
- Regional hubs: Instead of bringing employees to the US, companies can build centers of excellence in Europe or other regions.
- Employer of Record (EOR) as strategy: No longer just a temporary fix, EOR offers a fast, compliant way to hire talent where it is, without waiting on immigration or entity setup.
Why this moment matters
For business leaders, this fee can be seen in two ways: either as a roadblock that limits hiring, or as an opportunity to rethink and improve global hiring strategies. The companies that succeed will be those that embrace flexibility, compliance, and long-term scalability.
A full-service model, combining EOR and entity setup, gives companies the best of both worlds:
- Hire talent today, wherever they are.
- Stay compliant while navigating regulatory change.
- Scale sustainably, with the option to transition into your own entities when the time is right.
Leading with clarity in uncertain times
One thing we know from experience: complexity in business isn’t going away. Policy changes, economic shifts, and evolving labor markets will always impact how companies hire. The real question isn’t if these changes happen, but how organizations prepare and respond, and that’s where the right partner makes the difference.
At Parakar, we know that global hiring challenges can feel complex, but they don’t have to hold your business back. The $100,000 H-1B fee is more than a policy change, it’s a signal that companies need to adapt to a future of work without borders.
Now is the right time to rethink your global hiring strategy. And with Parakar as your partner, we’ll guide you within the complexities and build the foundation to grow your business abroad.
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