The United States’ new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications has raised concerns in Bangladesh, which saw 1,173 of its citizens approved for the visa in FY2024. While far behind India, Bangladesh has steadily built a pipeline of IT and engineering professionals seeking opportunities abroad. Many Bangladeshi workers pursue U.S. jobs through outsourcing firms or graduate education pathways that lead to H-1B sponsorship.
Local analysts fear the steep new cost could discourage U.S. employers from sponsoring Bangladeshi talent, especially for entry-level roles. With no major multinational firms based in Dhaka acting as anchor employers, workers may now face an uphill battle to justify the investment.