Smaller tech firms and startups could be hardest hit by rising visa costs. The H-1B program offers 65,000 visas annually, plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders. US president Donald Trump has signed a proclamation introducing a yearly $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said that major companies had been briefed on the new $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee and claimed that “all the big companies are on board” following discussions with the president. The program provides 65,000 visas annually, plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders.