Article Summary

USCIS clarified that the USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee applies only to new applications filed after September 21, not to petitions submitted prior or to existing visa holders. This fee is a one-time charge, not an annual one, and does not affect renewals or current visa holders re-entering the country. The clarification aims to address misconceptions following a White House proclamation, though the fee will apply in the upcoming lottery cycle.

TNP AI: Key Insights

This crucial clarification by USCIS and the White House significantly reduces the immediate financial panic among existing H-1B visa holders and their employers. The distinction that the $100,000 fee is a one-time charge for new petitions, rather than an annual fee or one impacting renewals, offers immense relief and stability for those already in the U.S. skilled workforce.

While clarifying the scope, the article underscores the introduction of a substantial new cost barrier for companies seeking fresh H-1B talent in the upcoming lottery cycle. This unprecedented fee will necessitate significant adjustments in workforce planning and budgeting for employers, potentially influencing sourcing strategies and increasing the attractiveness of skilled immigration pathways in other countries like Canada or the UK.