H-1B Visa: Walmart Pauses Job Offers for Applicants

Walmart Inc. has temporarily suspended extending job offers to candidates requiring H-1B visas for its corporate positions. The decision follows the U.S. government’s recent introduction of a $100,000 filing fee for H-1B visa applications, a move aimed at regulating skilled foreign labor but which has raised concerns among employers.

The pause affects new hires from outside the U.S., while existing H-1B visa holders, including recent graduates and current employees, are exempt from the new fee, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Impact on Hiring and Workforce

This development highlights the financial and operational challenges posed by the new H-1B visa fee. Corporate sectors that depend on international talent, particularly technology and data analytics, may face disruptions in recruitment and project planning. Analysts warn that the fee could limit the pool of eligible candidates and delay hiring timelines.

Broader Implications

Walmart’s decision underscores the wider impact of tightened visa regulations on U.S. employers. Companies heavily reliant on skilled foreign professionals may need to revise hiring strategies and budgets. While Walmart has described the pause as temporary, it reflects the immediate pressures faced by large employers navigating evolving immigration policies.