Walmart Pauses Job Offers to H-1B Candidates
Walmart Inc. has temporarily halted job offers to candidates who would require new H-1B visa sponsorships in the United States. The decision is being made in light of a newly imposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications by the U.S. administration.
Reason Behind the Move
Sources indicate the fee hike is prompting companies to reevaluate hiring foreign-skilled workers. For Walmart, the pause pertains primarily to roles needing visa sponsorship rather than its entire hiring operations.
Scope and Impact
Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., employs millions of people domestically. The pause is described as a strategic adjustment rather than a large-scale freeze, and it primarily affects positions in corporate and specialised functions. The move may reflect broader challenges facing employers that rely on international talent under the H-1B programme.
Broader Implications
This development highlights how immigration regulation and visa fee changes are influencing corporate hiring strategies. Companies may scale back reliance on visa-based hires or shift recruitment plans to favour candidates already authorised to work in the U.S. The policy change may also spur debate about balancing skilled labour needs with regulatory costs.
