The H-1B visa program approved over 406,000 visas in 2025, with high-paying tech and medical roles driving demand amid a new $100,000 overseas fee.

The H-1B visa program remains a critical channel for skilled foreign workers, with approvals exceeding 406,000 through the first three quarters of 2025. Median H-1B wages are highest in West Coast metros, led by California, Washington, and Oregon, with San Jose, San Francisco, and Seattle topping the list. Specialty physicians and tech workers earn the most, with five medical roles exceeding $300,000 in median pay and 12 of the 15 highest-paying employers in tech. A new $100,000 application fee for overseas filings marks a major cost shift, potentially altering employer hiring strategies amid ongoing demand for global talent in high-skill fields.