New $100k Fee on H1B Visas Explained | Key Facts 2025
The Trump administration has introduced one of the most significant overhauls of the H-1B visa program in decades by imposing a $100,000 application fee on new H-1B visa petitions. This proclamation, effective September 21, 2025, is set to reshape the landscape for highly skilled foreign workers and U.S. employers relying on this visa program.
What Is the New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee?
The newly signed proclamation mandates employers to pay a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application submitted on behalf of foreign nationals seeking specialty occupation roles. This steep fee aims to address the alleged abuse of the program, which the administration claims has displaced American workers and suppressed wages in critical sectors like technology, engineering, and healthcare.
Why Was This Fee Introduced?
The move is part of a broader immigration reform strategy to protect U.S. workers by ensuring that H-1B visas are not used as a means to undercut wages or replace American talent. The Department of Labor will also update prevailing wage levels to further safeguard U.S. workers from unfair wage competition.
Impact on Global Talent Hubs and U.S. Employers
This fee will disproportionately affect global talent hubs such as India and China, which have historically accounted for the majority of H-1B visa approvals. For U.S. companies, especially in the technology sector, the new cost may lead to increased offshoring and challenges in filling critical skill gaps domestically.
Are There Any Exemptions or Waivers?
The Secretary of Homeland Security has the discretion to waive the fee if hiring the applicant is deemed to be in the national interest and does not compromise U.S. security or welfare. However, specifics around these exemptions remain unclear.
What Should Current and Prospective H-1B Applicants Do?
Current H-1B and H-4 visa holders are advised to defer international travel until further clarity is provided. Prospective applicants and employers should prepare for these new costs and compliance requirements to avoid disruptions in visa processing.
This proclamation marks a watershed moment in U.S. immigration policy, highlighting the government’s focus on prioritizing American workers and recalibrating the skilled worker visa program. The long-term effects of this policy change will unfold over the coming months as stakeholders adapt to the new regulatory landscape.
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