White House says the new $100k H-1B visa fee won't apply to existing holders

On Friday, US President Donald Trump's announcement imposing a new $US100,000 ($151,000) fee for skilled technology worker visas created panic.

His proclamation meant the fee would apply to H-1B visas , which are meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill , from Sunday, local time.

It prompted major technology companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan and Amazon to fire off warnings to their employees on the visa to stay in the country — or quickly return to the US.

A day later, the White House clarified the fee wouldn't apply to workers who already held a visa — only new applicants would be affected.

Here's a recap of the new rules, who it affects and what the reaction has been.

Trump announces new visa fee

Mr Trump, flanked by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutn