H-1B Holders Told: Return to US Immediately, Don’t Travel—Meta, Microsoft Issue Alert

Meta, Microsoft Urge H-1B Visa Holders to Stay in US Amid Trump’s New Immigration Rules.

Major tech firms Meta and Microsoft on Saturday issued urgent advisories to their H-1B visa holders following President Donald Trump’s new immigration crackdown and steep hike in H-1B visa fees.

The companies advised employees already in the US to remain in the country for at least 14 days, while those currently outside the US were urged to return within 24 hours to avoid potential denial of re-entry. The advisory is expected to remain in effect for the “foreseeable future” as firms assess the practical implications of the new rules.

Meta specifically instructed its H-1B and H4 visa holders to stay in the US until clarity emerges on practical applications, and asked employees abroad to consider returning immediately. Microsoft issued a “strong” recommendation for workers in the US to stay put, and requested those outside to do their best to return.

The H-1B visa program, primarily for technology professionals like software engineers and IT managers, is valid for three years with an option for renewal for another three years. Last Friday, Trump raised the annual H-1B visa fee to $100,000, a dramatic increase from the current $215 fee, aiming to incentivize hiring of American workers while still allowing entry for “truly extraordinary people.”

The administration also announced a Gold Card visa program, including Trump Gold and Platinum Cards for individuals, and a Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses, designed to replace traditional employment-based visas and offer exclusive privileges.

India remains the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, accounting for 71% of approvals last year, followed by China at 11.7%, making the new rules particularly impactful for Indian tech professionals.