Trump’s New H-1B Visa: Impact On Nigerians Seeking U.S. Jobs

President Donald Trump has signed an executive action introducing a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, a program widely used by U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.

The H-1B visa allows foreign workers to live and work in the U.S. for an initial period of three years, with a possibility of renewal for another three. Around 65,000 visas are granted annually, plus an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants with advanced U.S. degrees. Because demand consistently outweighs supply, visas are typically awarded through a lottery system.

The new directive means companies must now pay a hefty sum to sponsor foreign professionals, either upfront or annually. In addition, the administration unveiled a “gold card” option that fast-tracks immigration for wealthy applicants willing to pay $1 million personally, or $2 million through an employer.

Why Trump Imposed It

The Trump administration argues the measure is intended to protect American jobs by discouraging what it describes as “overuse” of the H-1B program. By raising costs for companies, the government hopes employers will prioritize U.S. citizens while still leaving a path open for highly skilled foreign talent.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that the fee was developed after consultations with companies and is aimed at ensuring that only “extraordinary” professionals are sponsored. The administration believes the move will tilt the balance of immigration toward high earners and entrepreneurs.

However, critics say the policy could hurt industries that rely heavily on foreign talent, particularly in technology, where U.S. companies often struggle to find enough specialized workers locally. For years, business leaders have argued that H-1B visas actually help create jobs by allowing firms to scale and remain competitive globally.

Impact On Nigerian Professionals Seeking U.S. Jobs

For Nigerians aspiring to work in the U.S., this new policy presents a significant challenge. Many young professionals, especially in tech and healthcare, depend on H-1B sponsorship to secure jobs abroad. With companies now facing a $100,000 price tag per visa, employers may cut back on international hiring, narrowing opportunities for Nigerians hoping to build careers in the U.S.

This could also affect Nigerian students graduating from American universities. Typically, many seek H-1B visas to remain in the U.S. after completing their studies. The higher financial barrier may push employers to reconsider sponsoring them, making it harder for graduates to transition into the workforce.

On the flip side, the shift may encourage companies to explore remote work or outsourcing instead of relocation. That could create new openings for Nigerian professionals to work with U.S. firms from Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt without physically moving abroad. It may also increase the appeal of alternative destinations such as Canada, the U.K., or Europe, where visa sponsorship pathways are perceived as more accessible.

In short, while Trump’s $100K H-1B fee is framed as a way to protect American workers, it could reshape how Nigerian talent engages with the U.S. market, reducing physical migration but potentially fueling more cross-border remote opportunities.