Amazon has issued a directive to its employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas, urging them to return to the United States before September 21. The move comes in response to potential restrictions following President Trump’s executive order that introduced a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas. The company, one of the largest employers of skilled foreign workers in the U.S., is taking precautionary steps to ensure its workforce remains compliant and unaffected by possible changes in immigration policy.

Amazon Follows Microsoft’s Lead

Amazon’s advisory mirrors a similar notice recently issued by Microsoft, which also encouraged its employees on temporary work visas to remain in the country. Both companies rely heavily on international talent, particularly through the H-1B program, which allows U.S. firms to hire highly skilled professionals from abroad. By setting a clear deadline for staff abroad to return, Amazon is signaling its concern over potential disruptions that could arise if employees are unable to re-enter the United States after September 21.

Impact of Trump’s Executive Order

The executive order signed by President Trump imposes a $100,000 annual fee on each H-1B visa holder. This significant cost increase has raised concerns among both employers and employees about the long-term viability of relying on this visa category for specialized roles. While the order does not explicitly ban entry for current visa holders, companies fear that heightened restrictions or additional measures could soon follow, creating uncertainty for thousands of workers and their families.

Why H-1B and H-4 Holders Are Affected

H-1B visas are commonly used by technology companies to recruit engineers, developers, and other professionals with advanced skills. The spouses of these workers often hold H-4 visas, which allow them to reside in the U.S. alongside their partners. Amazon’s advisory applies to both groups, emphasizing that all affected employees should prioritize returning before the September 21 deadline in order to avoid complications at ports of entry or delays in resuming work responsibilities.

Amazon’s Reliance on Global Talent

As one of the top recipients of H-1B visas each year, Amazon depends heavily on international expertise to support its operations across cloud computing, e-commerce, logistics, and artificial intelligence research. Any disruption in access to this talent pool could impact project timelines and innovation pipelines across multiple divisions of the company. The company’s proactive stance reflects broader industry concerns about maintaining stability within a workforce that is increasingly globalized yet subject to shifting immigration policies.

Broader Implications for Tech Industry

The developments highlight ongoing tensions between U.S. immigration policy and the needs of technology companies competing globally for skilled professionals. With rising costs attached to visa sponsorships and uncertainty around mobility for foreign workers, firms may face challenges in sustaining their current hiring strategies. For employees directly impacted by these changes, decisions about travel and residency carry significant professional and personal consequences—making corporate guidance from employers like Amazon essential during times of policy transition.

In summary, Amazon’s call for H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return before September 21 underscores how executive actions can swiftly influence corporate strategies and employee mobility. As one of the largest beneficiaries of skilled immigration programs, Amazon is moving quickly to safeguard its workforce against potential disruptions while navigating an evolving regulatory environment that continues to shape the future of global talent in U.S. technology firms.