Article Summary

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that a $100,000 H-1B visa fee applies to new petitions for applicants outside the U.S., stemming from a Trump proclamation effective Sept. 21, 2025. This rule affects new H-1B petitions filed after the deadline for individuals without a valid visa, requiring payment for consular or port of entry notifications, and has already sparked lawsuits and business backlash.

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This policy, effective in 2025 and stemming from a 2019 Trump proclamation, represents a sharp departure from previous H-1B fee structures, which were typically in the hundreds or low thousands, not six figures. It reflects a protectionist stance aimed at limiting foreign worker entry, contrasting with periods that prioritized attracting global talent.

For the tech industry, which accounts for the majority of H-1B visas, this fee could force companies to rethink their hiring strategies, potentially pushing talent acquisition to other countries with more favorable immigration policies. The significant financial burden also creates immense pressure on individuals seeking to enter the U.S. or maintain their status, potentially reducing the overall pool of skilled applicants. The mention of 'lawsuits and business backlash' suggests that this policy will likely face ongoing legal challenges, similar to other immigration restrictions under previous administrations.