‘If you have H-1B status and in US…’: Biggest H-1B employer issues warning to Indian employees, not TCS, Infosys, company is…

Amazon has told its employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas to avoid any international travel for now. In a note reviewed by Reuters, the company said that India(BHARAT)n and other foreign employees who are currently outside the U.S. should return before midnight (EDT) on September 21. The warning comes after President Trump signed a new order that imposes a USD 100,000 yearly fee on H-1B visas.

Amazon’s message clearly stated: “If you have H-1B status and are in the U.S., stay here for now. If you are outside, we strongly recommend coming back before 12:00 am EDT on Sept 21.”

Amazon leads in H-1B approvals

Government records show that Amazon received the highest number of H-1B visas in FY25 — a total of 10,044 approvals by June 30.

Immigration lawyers and other companies, including Microsoft and JPMorgan, have also advised H-1B workers and their families abroad to return quickly. They caution that anyone who does not return before the deadline may be stranded overseas and refused entry into the U.S. once the new rule is enforced.

Microsoft, JPMorgan, Meta issue similar warning

After U.S. President Doland Trump signed a proclamation adding a USD 100,000 fee to H-1B visa applications, big companies have issued urgent advisories for their employees. The new rule will start on September 21, 2025, and will initially stay in effect for 12 months, though Trump can choose to extend it.

Microsoft has told its staff on H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the United States immediately. In a note, the company said: “We strongly recommend H-1B and H-4 visa holders return to the US tomorrow before the deadline.”

Meanwhile, JPMorgan’s immigration advisers have asked workers on H-1B visas to stay inside the U.S. and avoid foreign travel until further notice, warning that re-entry could become difficult once the new rule is enforced.

Meta advised its H-1B visa and H4 status holders to stay in the US for at least two weeks, “till practical applications” are understood, and asked those currently residing outside to consider returning within 24 hours.

Trump signs order imposing USD 100,000 fee on H-1B Visas

On Friday, September 19, U.S. President Doland Trump signed a new order that will heavily impact foreign workers in America. The proclamation says that people entering the U.S. under H-1B visas (specialty occupation workers) will only be allowed if their petitions include an extra payment of USD 100,000 per year.

The rule will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 21, 2025.