Biopharma firms curb hiring as $100,000 H-1B visa fee limits foreign talent

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s recent increase of the H-1B visa filing fee to $100,000 has made it much more expensive for biopharma employers to sponsor foreign-born scientists and engineers.

The fee, which was extended through September 2027, was intended to give priority to American workers, but two federal judges have temporarily blocked it after lawsuits, first in June and again last month.

Industry recruiters say the high cost is forcing many companies, especially smaller biotech firms, to limit or redesign their hiring strategies for overseas talent, shifting focus toward domestic candidates or alternative visa categories.