USCIS Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Exemptions and Application Process
This USCIS clarification offers crucial details for employers and H-1B visa applicants, defining when and to whom the significant $100,000 fee will apply, enabling better strategic planning.
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Article Summary
USCIS has issued updated guidance clarifying the application of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, stemming from a September 19 presidential proclamation. The fee applies to new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, for beneficiaries outside the U.S., and generally exempts petitions for change of status within the U.S. or for current H-1B visa holders. Rare exceptions can be granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security under extraordinary national interest circumstances.
Original Article: livemint.com
[ Sentiment: neutral | 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: neutral | 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 clarification is critical for employers and prospective H-1B applicants, providing a definitive timeline and scope for the controversial $100,000 fee. Understanding these exemptions, particularly for in-country change of status and existing H-1B holders, allows for strategic workforce planning and avoids significant unexpected costs.
The September 21, 2025, effective date offers a substantial window for businesses to adjust their talent acquisition strategies for foreign workers. However, the extremely narrow criteria for exceptions underscore the administration's intent to limit their application, making proactive compliance and precise petition filing paramount for companies looking to sponsor H-1B talent from abroad.
