New H-1B Visa $100,000 Fee: USCIS Clarifies Who Pays & Exemptions for Employers
This substantial new H-1B fee significantly alters the cost and strategy for employers sponsoring overseas talent, making in-country change of status paths critically important.
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Article Summary
A Presidential Proclamation introduced a new $100,000 government fee for certain H-1B visa applications effective September 21, 2025. USCIS guidance clarified that this fee primarily applies to new H-1B petitions for beneficiaries outside the U.S. requesting consular processing. Petitions for in-country changes of status, amendments, or extensions are exempt, providing crucial clarity for employers and F-1 OPT students.
Original Article: economictimes.indiatimes.com
[ Sentiment: negative | Tone: factual ]
This summary and analysis were generated by TheNewsPublisher's editorial AI. This content is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
[ Sentiment: negative | Tone: factual ]
This summary and analysis were generated by TheNewsPublisher's editorial AI. This content is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
TNP AI: Key Insights
This substantial $100,000 fee fundamentally shifts the calculus for employers, making it significantly more expensive to sponsor new H-1B talent from outside the U.S. It will likely increase competition for F-1 OPT students already in the country and force companies, particularly tech startups, to re-evaluate their global recruitment strategies.
Historically, H-1B fees have been much lower and tied to specific programs or employer sizes, making this a novel and unprecedented financial barrier. The mention of ongoing legal challenges suggests this policy may face significant judicial scrutiny, potentially leading to further policy adjustments or legal battles in the future.
