Why Walmart paused H-1B job offers

According to reporting from major outlets, the pause is a direct response to a recent administration policy that would require employers to pay an additional fee — widely reported at $100,000 for certain new H-1B filings — as part of a broader overhaul of the H-1B program. Companies are reassessing hiring plans while legal, regulatory and operational implications are clarified. 1

Who is affected?

The hiring pause appears to focus on corporate and specialized roles that typically rely on H-1B sponsorship — such as software engineers, data scientists, and certain positions in Walmart’s technology and e-commerce teams. Candidates already in the U.S. on existing H-1B approvals or other valid work authorizations are generally not impacted by this specific pause, per current guidance. 2

What Walmart said

A Walmart spokesperson told reporters the company remains committed to hiring top talent but is being “thoughtful about our H-1B hiring approach” while the implications of the new rule are evaluated. The pause was described by some outlets as a temporary, precautionary measure rather than a permanent policy shift. 3

Wider industry reaction

Other major employers — especially in tech and medtech — have taken similar steps recently, either pausing H-1B hires or re-evaluating international recruitment plans. Trade groups and business advocates warn the fee could make H-1B sponsorship cost-prohibitive for many firms and startups, while supporters say it will protect domestic wages and tighten program misuse. Legal challenges and clarifying guidance are expected in the coming months. 4

What candidates should do now

• Contact your prospective employer’s HR or recruiting team for the latest status on your offer.
• Explore alternate pathways — such as remote work with an offshore team, contractor roles, or other visa categories if eligible.
• Consult an immigration attorney to understand options and timing based on your personal situation.

How this could affect hiring and Walmart’s strategy

Experts say a pause at a high-profile employer like Walmart could ripple through hiring pipelines and talent strategies — accelerating automation, shifting more roles to domestic hiring, or increasing use of contractors and remote teams. For Walmart specifically, the pause may mainly affect corporate and tech talent rather than frontline retail hiring. 5

 The Walmart pause highlights how quickly employers may respond to major immigration policy changes. Affected candidates should seek direct updates from employers and immigration counsel while monitoring official guidance and news coverage. 6

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