H-1B Fee Aftershock: Walmart Freezes New Hiring

In a surprising move, Walmart, the largest private employer in the US, has stopped hiring under the H-1B visa program. The company cited the newly introduced $100,000 visa fee as the main reason behind this decision.

Major Shift in Walmart’s Hiring Policy

This change will primarily affect Walmart’s corporate workforce. The decision underscores the wide-reaching impact of the new visa guidelines on thousands of foreign professionals working in the US.

Walmart currently employs over 2,300 H-1B holders, making it one of the biggest companies to officially pause foreign hiring due to the increased cost.

The Purpose of the New Fee

The new $100,000 fee aims to reform the H-1B system and limit its widespread use by corporations. While existing visa holders and some students remain exempt, employers must now pay the full amount for new hires who need immediate work authorization.

Official Statement and Reactions

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained, “Either the person is very valuable to the company and America, or they’re going to depart and the company’s going to hire an American.”

However, groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have strongly criticised the fee, calling it unfair to small and mid-sized businesses that depend on international talent.

Impact on the Job Market

The sudden policy shift has caused widespread concern across the corporate sector. Many employers fear that the new fee could limit access to skilled global workers and reshape hiring strategies in the tech and retail industries.