Microsoft urges H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to US before new $100,000 fee deadline

Microsoft has issued an urgent advisory to its employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas, telling those currently outside the United States to return by Sunday, September 21, 2025, ahead of a presidential proclamation raising the visa fee to $100,000 annually. Employees already in the US were instructed to remain there "for the foreseeable future."

The guidance comes just days after President Donald Trump signed the proclamation imposing the new fee on Friday, making it effective from September 21. The fee hike is one of the most significant changes to the H-1B visa programme in recent history.

In the internal communication seen by Reuters and reported by Hindustan Times, Microsoft stated:

“We strongly recommend H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US tomorrow before the deadline.”
Hindustan Times

The company also advised visa holders already in the United States to avoid international travel, warning that re-entry could be complicated once the new fee regime takes effect.

Other major companies followed suit. JPMorgan, in guidance issued by its outside immigration counsel, advised its H-1B visa holders outside the US to return before 12:01 AM Eastern Time on September 21, and told those already in the US to stay there pending further instructions.

Amazon and Meta similarly issued advisories urging employees on H-1B and H-4 visas to return before the deadline or refrain from international travel until more clarity emerges over how the proclamation will be implemented.