Microsoft, Meta and Amazon urges its employees with H-1B, H-4 visas to return to US before September 21

Washington: Tech companies such as Microsoft, Meta and Amazon have issued an urgent advisory to their employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas, instructing those currently outside the United States to return by Sunday, September 21, 2025. This move follows President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B work visas, a sweeping reform aimed at restructuring the US skilled-worker visa regime.

Microsoft's Advisory to Employees

An internal memo seen by Reuters detailed Microsoft's recommendation that H-1B and H-4 visa holders currently outside the US return immediately before the September 21 deadline to avoid travel and visa complications. Employees already inside the US were advised to remain and continue working domestically for the foreseeable future to prevent issues with reentry on the new terms.

The company is also reportedly tracking the whereabouts of visa-holding employees and acknowledged the short timeframe for travel arrangements, emphasising compliance with federal changes.

According to NDTV reports, Meta has also advised its employees holding H-1B visas and H4 status to remain in the U.S. for at least two weeks until the practical implications of the recent visa changes become clear. The company has also urged those currently outside the U.S. to consider returning within 24 hours to avoid potential complications.

Amazon's Advisory to Employees

In internal notes circulated to staff, Amazon urged H-1B visa holders currently in the United States to remain in the country and advised those outside the US to return before the deadline date of 12 am EDT on September 21, when the Trump administration's new rules are set to take effect.

"If you have H-1B status and are in the US, stay in the country for now," Amazon stated in a note. "We recommend H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US before 12 am EDT on September 21," the company added.

Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Overhaul

On September 19, President Trump signed a proclamation instituting a $100,000 yearly fee (around 88 lakh INR) on H-1B visas, one of the largest hikes in the history of the program. The policy requires employers to pay this major additional charge for each H-1B worker sponsored, effective September 21. The proclamation also includes revisions in prevailing wage standards for H-1B holders to strengthen job protections for domestic employees.

Industry Impact

Tech titans like Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are among the top sponsors of H-1B visas, with tens of thousands approved annually. Amazon secured over 10,000 in 2025 alone, while Microsoft and Meta each received over 5,000. The sudden steep fee increase and return-to-US advisory could disrupt staffing and operations if not managed effectively.

Broader Industry Concerns

The heightened visa costs and travel directives have sparked concern about potential labour shortages in critical tech areas, the affordability of highly skilled foreign employees, and the stability of projects reliant on international talent. Critics argue the fee may limit access to global expertise, while proponents say it encourages domestic workforce development.

Government Perspective

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the fee, stating that the changes are necessary to end what he described as “cost-free visas” and to focus more on American worker training and employment. The government anticipates the reforms will raise over $100 billion.