Walmart has decided to temporarily suspend hiring employees who require H-1B visas, a move confirmed by a company representative following recent changes in U.S. immigration policy, according to The Hill.
The H-1B program enables companies to bring in skilled professionals from abroad, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, and finance. However, changes introduced this fall have altered the landscape for companies that rely on such talent.
A new executive order issued in September by President Trump raised the cost of filing an H-1B petition to $100,000 — far above the previous range of several thousand dollars. The administration has framed the fee hike as a step toward prioritizing domestic labor.
This decision holds weight given Walmart’s status as the leading retailer utilizing the H-1B system. Reports indicate that more than 2,000 approvals for Walmart applicants were granted in the first half of 2025 alone.
While the company hasn’t ruled out future use of the program, it says it is reassessing its strategy around international hiring. A spokesperson noted Walmart’s intent to continue investing in strong talent, while adjusting its approach to reflect current conditions.
