US work visas just got harder to get

HEFTY FEES

- 

IN RESPONSE to a brewing storm within the tech industry, the White House on Saturday made a crucial clarification regarding its newly introduced H-1B visa policy that has sent ripples of uncertainty throughout the sector.

The confusion stemmed from an announcement made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who revealed a substantial increase in visa fees that initially appeared to impact both new applicants and renewals alike.

On Friday, Lutnick announced that a staggering $100000 (about R1.74 million) fee would be required annually from those seeking to secure a new visa or undertake a renewal. This sudden announcement raised alarm bells within the tech community, which often relies heavily on global talent to fill critical roles in innovation and development.

"This is NOT an annual fee. It's a onetime fee that applies... only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders," he said in a social media post.