Impact of Trump’s H1B Visa Fee Hike on MBA Graduates
The recent changes introduced by the Donald Trump administration regarding the H1B visa in the USA have made an impact on aspiring international students, US companies and students studying in the USA, especially the MBA graduates. For MBA students who aspire to work in USA in fields such as consulting, tech, or finance, the new H1B visa fee hike can offer both opportunity and uncertainty. MBA graduates from prestigious institutions might be at an advantage as the US government focuses on premium wage positions. However those aiming for smaller or mid-level roles might find it challenging to obtain an H1B visa. Read along to understand how Trump’s hike in H1B visa fees could impact MBA graduates aiming to work in USA.
This Story also Contains
- What are the Changes Introduced to the H1B Visa in USA?
- Benefits of H1B Visa Fee Hike to MBA Graduates
- Challenges of H1B Visa Fee Hike for MBA Graduates
What are the Changes Introduced to the H1B Visa in USA?
The Trump administration announced in September 2025 an increased H1B Visa fee of usd 100,000 for international workers. Additionally, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new regulations that would give preference in the H1B lottery to applications for higher-wage jobs. This means the government is looking to increase the wage levels required for H1B positions, ensuring that these workers are not offered lower-paying jobs that fall below the median wage in the USA. Moreover, the DHS has clarified that the $100K fee will not affect those who already have the H1B status or those changing their status while in the USA. It will only apply to first-time applicants from abroad.
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Benefits of H1B Visa Fee Hike to MBA Graduates
While the hike in the H1B visa fee and the new wage-based selection system might be a major reform in USA for international students, there are few benefits for MBA graduates.
The new H1B system gives priority to applications that offer higher salaries. Many MBA graduates from top business schools work in fields such as consulting, finance, or tech that offer higher pay packages, making them more likely to be selected for the visa.
Companies looking to hire international professionals for managerial positions may look for MBA graduates. This could encourage employers to offer higher salaries to meet H1B requirements.
There will be a decrease in the competition for H1B visa positions as lower-paid roles are not being prioritized under the new rule.
Challenges of H1B Visa Fee Hike for MBA Graduates
There are certain challenges that MBA graduates might have to face after the introduction of H1B visa fee of 100K. These challenges are as follows:
The increased H1B fee of $100,000 can be a financial challenge for employers looking to hire international talent. Smaller companies and startups might not be able to sponsor H1B visas, which could reduce job opportunities for MBA graduates.
Many MBA graduates start their careers in marketing, operations, or business development roles that fall below the high-wage level in USA. With the new regulations, these positions might not be given priority in case of an H1B visa. For instance, at one school in the US, the average salary for sales and marketing positions was around $148K, which is lower than the median salary in some cities. Meanwhile, at the University at Buffalo, the median salary was about $81K.
For international MBA students in the USA on F1 visas, the path to long-term employment after graduation is becoming more uncertain. This also affects their return on investment.
Some companies might react to the increased costs by pausing H1B sponsorships. This could make it even more challenging for international MBA graduates to enter the US job market, even if they are exceptionally qualified.
The data indicate that between 2021 and 2024, almost half of the H-1B petitions for individuals with MBAs were for positions classified at the second wage level, which is below the median. Additionally, 21% of these petitions were for entry-level jobs, while only 9% fell into the highest wage category. This suggests that many MBA graduates might end up in roles that are not prioritized under the current new rules, making the competition for visas even tougher and more uncertain.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is MBA eligible for H1B?
A:
Yes, having an MBA degree makes you eligible for an H1B visa, especially for jobs that require specialized knowledge. If you have a master's degree from a USA, you can also be a part of the H1B lottery system.
Q: Does a master's degree help H-1B approval?
A:
Yes, a masters degree might be able to help you with the H1B visa approval. This is because it allows applicants to enter the H1B lottery system. As there is a 65,000-seat cap for international workers, an additional 20,000 seats are reserved for those who complete their masters from USA.
Q: What is the disadvantage of a H-1B visa?
A:
Currently, the Trump administration has increased the fee for the H1B visa to $100,000. This has created uncertainty amongst the new applicants and the US companies. This is because for a new application, the companies now have to pay the increased fee.
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To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as
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Top university of The USA for master degree courses
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Hope it's helpful for you..
Thank you
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