(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)

US President Donald Trump on Friday significantly increased the yearly charge for the H-1B visa for skilled foreign workers to $100,000. This change will greatly affect Indians employed by technology companies and others. While signing the proclamation at the White House, Trump mentioned that the "goal is to encourage the hiring of American workers." This decision is designed to safeguard American employees while still giving businesses a way to recruit "truly exceptional individuals" and bring them to the US, according to the administration. If this decision withstands legal challenges, it will lead to enormous fee increases. The cost for skilled worker visas would rise from $215. The price for investor visas, commonly found in many European nations, would increase from $10,000 to $20,000 annually. The administration also revealed a Gold Card visa scheme, which includes the Trump Gold Card and Trump Platinum Card for individuals, as well as the Trump Corporate Gold Card for businesses. These cards offer special benefits and aim to take the place of employment-based visas that provide routes to citizenship, including options for professors, scientists, artists, and athletes.

Trump Gold Card:

Target audience: Individuals
Cost: $1 million
How to get it: An individual must fill out an application form and pay a non-refundable fee for processing. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will conduct a thorough background check and review the potential cardholder.

Advantages: After receiving approval, the Trump Gold Card can be utilized in all 50 states and territories.

Trump Platinum Card:

Target audience: Individuals
Cost: $5 million
How to get it: While the sign-up process has not begun yet, an individual will need to register and join a waiting list. They must also pay a processing fee and wait for the Department of Homeland Security to review their application.

Advantages: Once accepted, the cardholder may spend up to 270 days in the US without having to pay taxes on income earned outside the US.

Trump Corporate Gold Card:

Target audience: Companies employing foreign workers
Cost: $2 million
How to get it: Pay a processing fee and wait for a review by the Department of Homeland Security. An additional small annual maintenance fee will be required.

Advantages: The card can be passed from one employee to another with a fee and a review by the Department of Homeland Security.