(qlmbusinessnews.com . Wed 22nd Oct, 2025) London, UK —
US Retail Giant Walmart Adjusts Hiring Strategy in Response to H-1B Visa Fee Hike
Walmart has made the decision to halt its recruitment of candidates needing H-1B visas following the introduction of a new levy by the Trump administration. The $100,000 (£74,000) charge has been a point of contention among employers in the United States.
The measure comes after US President Donald Trump enacted an executive order last month, establishing the fee for H-1B applicants and condemning the “abuse” of the skilled foreign worker programme. He argued it disadvantages American workers.
Leading the way in retail, Walmart has secured over 2,000 H-1B visas in the first half of 2025, making it the top user of this scheme within its sector.
A Walmart spokesperson emphasised the company's dedication to “hiring and investing in the best talent to serve our customers,” while also being “thoughtful about our H-1B hiring approach.” This approach adjustment was initially brought to light by Bloomberg News.
As the largest private employer in the US, Walmart maintains a workforce of around 1.6 million people nationwide. Although it benefits significantly from the H-1B visa scheme within retail, the initiative is commonly linked with major US technology firms.
Amazon, for instance, secured over 10,000 H-1B visas in the first half of 2025 alone, leading the chart of beneficiaries, followed by prominent tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google, each acquiring more than 4,000 visas. The programme is also utilised by start-ups and smaller companies outside the tech industry.
Trump's executive order is targeted at new visa applications, compelling a fee payment to allow entry.
The H-1B programme has been the subject of much debate, with critics arguing it undermines the American workforce. Conversely, supporters, including billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, believe it enables the US to attract global talent.
Predominantly, individuals from India have received H-1B visas, accounting for over 70% of recipients in recent years. China represents the second-largest group, with about 12% of the visas.
Upon the signing of the executive order by Trump, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick remarked on the necessity for companies to evaluate the value of potential employees against the significant government fee.
In opposition to Trump's order, the US Chamber of Commerce has initiated legal action, citing concerns from Neil Bradley, its chief policy officer, that the fee renders the H-1B programme excessively burdensome for US employers. This, he suggested, could either inflate labor costs or lead to hiring fewer skilled professionals.
The White House defended the fee as lawful and described it as an “essential” step towards reforming the programme, amidst legal challenges and industry pushback.
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