Day: September 20, 2025
New Restrictions for H-1B Visa Holders Set to Take Effect
With new restrictions and fees on work visas in the US scheduled to take effect at midnight tonight, many employers are advising workers abroad to return to the US. Leaked memos from Google, Amazon, and Microsoft instruct H-1B visa holders currently traveling to arrange immediate travel to the US before 12 AM ET on September 21, 2025, reports 24brussels.
The memos also advise any H-1B employees and their H-4 dependents currently in the US to remain and not travel abroad until further notice. The changes to the H-1B visa structure pose significant risks, with employers fearing that workers may face reentry denial without a $100,000 payment associated with their visa petition.
The urgency of these directives reflects growing concerns among companies over the implications of the new rules. Microsoft has stated that the proclamation is categorized as a travel restriction and will affect the ability of H-1B visa holders to return to the US, emphasizing that the fee must be paid in order to re-enter.
In leaked communications, Microsoft addressed the specifics of the Presidential Proclamation, highlighting that individuals would not be able to enter or return to the US under H-1B status unless the additional fee is paid, creating potential disruptions for thousands of employees. “We are reaching out with an urgent update regarding international travel for individuals on H-1B visas,” the memo stressed, noting that the situation is still unfolding.
Amazon and Google similarly urged their employees to prioritize getting back to the US in light of the new rules. The memos outlined recommended actions for H-1B visa holders and suggested that those currently in the US should stay put amid the uncertainty. “We will continue to provide updates as more details are available,” an Amazon memo stated.
The new rules come amid broader discussions on visa policy reform in the US, with many stakeholders evaluating the protection of skilled labor against the backdrop of an evolving immigration landscape. As this situation develops, continued scrutiny on the implications of the changes for both employees and businesses is expected.
While Microsoft declined to provide further comment, neither Amazon nor Google had responded for this story by the time of publication. The anxieties surrounding these new visa restrictions underline the complexities faced by dependent visa holders in the current environment.
As the deadline approaches, companies must remain vigilant in managing their international workforce and addressing the myriad challenges posed by the latest changes in US immigration policy.
