Trump is set to announce a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, possibly signing the order today. This decision could significantly impact immigration, labor markets, and business strategies. Smaller companies and outsourcing firms may stop applying for these visas altogether. Large tech firms might also cut back, using visas only for very specialized positions.

H-1B Visa Basics

The H-1B visa allows employers to hire foreign professionals in fields like technology, engineering, and medicine. To qualify, applicants need at least a bachelor’s degree and specialized skills. The U.S. issues around 85,000 H-1B visas each year, which could generate $8.5 billion from the new fee. However, tech giants like Nvidia, valued at $4 trillion, could struggle to access important talent. Investors should consider buying put options on IT services and consulting firms. Companies like Infosys, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services depend heavily on H-1B visas, and a fee of $100,000 per visa could seriously hurt their business model. Earlier filings in 2025 revealed that these firms file thousands of H-1B petitions, making them particularly vulnerable to this change.

Investment Strategy Considerations

Investors might also look at buying put options on the Nasdaq 100 index through ETFs like the QQQ. While large companies like Nvidia can manage the fee, this policy will create a talent shortage that hinders product development and AI research across the sector. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report from mid-2025 noted that nearly a quarter of STEM workers in major tech areas are non-U.S. citizens, highlighting the potential depth of this impact. This news creates market uncertainty, so consider options on the VIX, which measures market fear. We’ve seen volatility spikes during similar events from 2017 to 2020, when sudden executive orders on immigration and trade were announced. History shows that such policy shocks, especially in crucial sectors like technology, lead to widespread defensive trading. Even a strong company like Nvidia is at risk; its high valuation relies on consistent innovation. Their growth depends on attracting top global talent in AI, and this policy threatens that flow. Nvidia’s quarterly report from mid-2025 pointed out that competition for specialized talent is a significant operational risk, making its stock particularly sensitive to this news. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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