How European Startups Are Recruiting With Trump’s H-1B Visa Crackdown
▼ Summary
– Donald Trump’s new $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visas has caused chaos in the US tech industry, prompting companies to rush visa holders back to the US.
– European tech companies and the British government are seizing the opportunity to lure skilled foreign workers away from the US with promises of jobs and visa sponsorship.
– US officials have tried to reassure employers that the fee does not apply to renewals or existing visa holders and have suggested possible exemptions for sectors like medicine.
– US tech companies remain skeptical of these assurances and are telling workers to cancel travel plans, reflecting a broader pattern of the administration alienating foreign talent.
– The policy is seen as particularly damaging to startups that cannot afford the fee, with critics calling it a massive gift to overseas tech hubs during a competitive AI race.
The recent upheaval surrounding the H-1B visa program in the United States is creating a significant opening for European technology hubs. A new annual fee of $100,000 for these skilled worker visas has sent shockwaves through the American tech sector, prompting immediate action from its largest companies and creating a wave of uncertainty for thousands of foreign professionals. This disruption has not gone unnoticed across the Atlantic, where European startups and established firms are seizing the moment to attract top-tier talent feeling disillusioned by the sudden policy shift.
Leaders in Europe’s tech scene are actively courting these workers through public appeals on professional networks. Barney Hussey-Yeo, founder of the British fintech company Cleo, directly addressed the situation on LinkedIn, stating that the new fee has left “incredible talent in limbo.” He highlighted over 100 open positions in London, framing the upheaval as a potential gateway to new opportunities. Victor Riparbelli, CEO of AI video startup Synthesia, echoed this sentiment, assuring professionals that a “Silicon Valley kind of job” is attainable without the need for an H-1B visa.
The recruitment drive extends beyond well-funded unicorns. Smaller tech companies across the UK are also joining the fray. Ross McNairn, CEO of Scottish legal AI firm Wordsmith, explicitly invited engineers with uncertain visa statuses to consider a role in the UK, with the company offering visa sponsorship. Platforms like LinkedIn and X are filled with similar overtures from firms such as Definely, Exo Labs, and Verto, many promising competitive packages that cover relocation and, crucially, a more stable immigration pathway. Even the British government is reportedly considering using the situation to advance its own initiatives aimed at removing visa fees for global talent.
While US officials have attempted to calm fears by clarifying that the fee does not apply to renewals or current visa holders, their assurances have been met with skepticism. Many companies, remembering other aggressive immigration policies, have already taken defensive measures, rushing employees back to the US and advising them to cancel international travel. The administration’s track record, which includes revoking student visas and implementing broad travel bans, has eroded trust within the business community.
The potential damage to the American tech ecosystem, particularly its startup segment, is a major concern. Garry Tan, CEO of the influential startup incubator Y Combinator, warned that while large corporations might withstand the financial hit, early-stage companies cannot absorb such a cost. He described the policy as a “massive gift to every overseas tech hub” and a counterproductive move in the midst of a global race for AI dominance. However, the political calculus behind the visa overhaul appears disconnected from the industry’s needs, potentially serving as a tool to exert pressure on major technology firms rather than a policy designed to foster innovation.
(Source: The Verge)