By Francoise Brougher, Chief Executive Officer
Last week, the U.S. government slapped a shocking price tag on new H-1B visas. What used to cost a few thousand dollars now comes with a six-figure fee: $100,000.
I’ve lived in Silicon Valley for thirty years. Time and again, I’ve watched brilliant people from every corner of the globe, graduates of top U.S. schools, innovators from abroad, arrive chasing the American dream. Since 1994, over five million H-1B visas have been issued. Roughly half went to the tech sector. The rest fueled industries like manufacturing, finance, education, and others. The rise of America as a global tech leader, fueled by the innovation in Silicon Valley, would have not have been possible without global talent. These workers not only built companies; they paid taxes that powered both state and federal growth.
A $100,000 barrier will shut the door on that talent pool, weakening our competitive edge just as global competition is heating up.
At Pebl, we provide another path. As an Employer of Record (EOR), we help companies tap into world-class talent abroad without the staggering cost of U.S. visa sponsorship. With an EOR, companies can hire talent globally, in their home country or in other countries that may be better for proximity or lifestyle. They can do it today, fast, compliant, and without the “three C’s” that plague entity setup: Cost, Complexity, and Compliance.
Here’s why this matters:
- Speed: With an EOR, hiring can be done in hours, not months.
- Flexibility: Companies can build teams in Canada or Mexico to stay aligned with U.S. time zones, or in Europe, Asia, or anywhere that fits their strategy.
- Compliance: EORs manage immigration, payroll, benefits, and compliance so businesses can focus on growth rather than red tape.
Of course, not all EORs are created equal. Some stop at payroll. Others, like Pebl, go further, offering benefits, immigration guidance, and employee experience programs that help people feel part of the team from day one. Companies need to evaluate partners carefully, digging into service levels and hidden costs before they commit.
Meanwhile, countries around the world are rolling out the red carpet for the potentially disenfranchised talent with simplified visa programs for skilled workers, new pathways for digital nomads, and easier, cheaper immigration routes. The message is clear: talent is welcome. The U.S.’s $100,000 H-1B fee makes the old model of visa sponsorship unsustainable.
For companies determined to stay ahead, the choice is simple. Either get priced out of talent, or rethink how you access it. We’re here to help.
Topic:
Work News + Trends
