A recent executive order by then-U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a substantial new annual fee of KSh12.9 million for H-1B visa applications, raising significant concerns for Kenyans and other foreign workers in the United States.

• The new fee, effective September 21, 2025, aims to restrict H-1B use to “genuinely high-skilled” roles.
• An additional "Gold Card" permanent residency visa is available for wealthy individuals willing to pay KSh129.2 million.
• Maria, a software engineer from Nairobi, expressed concerns about renewals: "If the fee really applies only to new applicants, that’s slightly reassuring. But what about renewals? I can’t risk being stuck abroad."
• Immigration attorney James Wanjohi believes "Legal challenges are almost certain. The executive may have overstepped the authority Congress gives in setting visa fees.”