SEOUL – South Korea’s foreign ministry announced on Saturday that it will closely evaluate the impact of recent U.S. changes to the H-1B visa program on South Korean companies and professionals. The move comes after the Trump administration proposed a $100,000 annual fee for employers sponsoring H-1B workers.
The new visa policy has sparked concern among global tech firms, many of which heavily rely on foreign talent. Some companies have already advised H-1B workers to stay in the U.S. or return quickly if currently abroad, fearing stricter rules may complicate re-entry.
South Korea is particularly focused on how the changes could affect skilled professionals and corporate mobility, especially in the technology and engineering sectors. Officials said they plan to coordinate with U.S. counterparts if necessary, to protect the interests of South Korean businesses and citizens.
This development adds pressure on international firms operating in the U.S., especially as visa costs rise sharply amid existing challenges like inflation and global economic uncertainty. Small- and mid-sized firms may be disproportionately affected by the steep fee.
The H-1B visa has long served as a gateway for foreign professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to work in the United States. South Korea’s response underscores growing global concern over immigration policy shifts and their ripple effects across economies.