Seoul negotiators pressured to change strategy to minimize spillover

The U.S. government's decision to raise the H-1B visa application fee from $1,000 to $100,000 has alarmed businesses, with some fearing that it could complicate ongoing visa negotiations with Korea.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Friday, raising the H-1B visa application fee a staggering 100-fold. The sudden measure, which took effect just after midnight on Sunday, applies only to new applicants as a one-time charge, leaving current visa holders and those seeking renewals untouched, according to the White House.

Officials said that the secretary of homeland security may grant exemptions in cases deemed to serve U.S. interests. Nevertheless, the administration defended the measure as a safeguard against the misuse of the visa system and as a means of protecting American workers.

"The H-1B program discourages future U.S. workers from entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and poses a threat to our national security," a White House statement read.

The H-1B visa enables foreign professionals specializing in STEM fields to work in the U.S. for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extending their stay or obtaining permanent residency. Around 85,000 visas are issued annually through a lottery system. Tech and finance companies have relied heavily on the program to secure experts from overseas, but Trump's supporters have long argued that it undermines American jobs.

The move comes as Seoul is engaged in talks with Washington regarding visa reform, following the recent detention of more than 300 Korean workers in Georgia.

Most of them had entered the U.S. on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or B-1 business visas, a common workaround for Korean firms facing difficulties obtaining H-1B skilled worker visas.

To resolve the problem, the two countries agreed to form a working group discussion body. Seoul officials formed a task force and have been exploring several options, including widening the scope of the short-term B-1 business visa, creating a new E-4 category for skilled Korean professionals under the "Partner with Korea Act," and a quota dedicated to Korean applicants within the H-1B program.

Although the steep financial barrier of the H-1B will not directly affect as many Koreans applying for the U.S. work visa compared to Indian and Chinese applicants, the initiative has made it clear that the Trump administration's attempt at protecting American workers will raise the bar for foreign workers' entry.

This could mean, in future discussions about visa issues, the U.S. side could demand Korea meet high requirements and demand Korea present detailed plans to contribute to the U.S. in return for easing visa rules for Korean workers. The two sides also may see a huge gap in how to define the scope and eligibility criteria for the B-1 business visa.

Against this backdrop, officials in Seoul are under pressure to adjust their negotiation strategy and secure more stable visa pathways for Korean professionals. The two governments are reportedly working on the structure and agenda of a formal joint working group.

Regarding the issue, the ministry of foreign affairs said they will examine how the H-1B visa fee hike would affect Korean companies.

"We are paying attention to the U.S.' H-1B visa fee announcement, and examining details such as implementation process," a ministry official said. "We'll comprehensively study what influence the measure will have on entry of Korean companies and skilled professionals into the U.S., and communicate with the U.S. on necessary steps."

The official said the Korean government sent its proposal on the operation of the working group discussion to the U.S. and asked the U.S. to arrange the first meeting as soon as possible.

US plan for $100,000 H-1B visa fee likely to complicate negotiations with Korea - The Korea Times