Image Source indiatimes
The White House has clarified key details of a recently announced overhaul to the H-1B visa program, resolving confusion over who will be affected by the new fee and when it will take effect.
What Changed
On September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that introduces a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions for new applicants. This marks a major increase from existing files and processing fees.
But several aspects of the policy were initially ambiguous, leading to anxiety among visa holders, employers, and applicants. Over the weekend, the White House, via Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, clarified important points.
Key Clarifications
According to the White House:
The $100,000 fee is a one-time fee, not an annual charge.
It applies only to new H-1B visas (new petitions), not to renewals or amendments for existing visa holders.
Individuals who already hold H-1B visas, even if they are currently outside the U.S., will not be required to pay the fee to reenter.
The fee will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle; it does not take effect retroactively on existing or pending applications under the current cycle.
Impacts & Reaction
The announcement stirred immediate concern among current H-1B holders and tech companies. Some employees abroad were considering returning before the enforcement date, fearing they might be caught up in the new rule.
For many companies, especially in the tech sector, this fee represents a huge potential cost for hiring foreign skilled workers in the U.S.
India’s government raised concerns around “humanitarian consequences,” especially for families of H-1B holders and those in transit, citing the suddenness and scale of the change.
What’s Still Unclear
Despite the clarifications, some questions remain:
Exactly how the U.S. government will manage the transition in the next lottery cycle (e.g., timeline, procedural changes) is not yet fully detailed.
It is unclear whether there will be exceptions or waivers (for example, for universities, nonprofits, or in the “national interest”) beyond what has already been signaled.
The legal standing of the proclamation may face challenges, especially from stakeholders arguing that Congress, not the executive branch, sets visa and immigration parameters.
What This Means Going Forward
For prospective H-1B applicants:
If you are applying in the next lottery cycle, this fee will apply to your petition.
If you are renewing, currently hold an H-1B visa, or your petition is already in progress (under current rules), you are not subject to this fee.
For employers:
Hiring foreign skilled workers under H-1B going forward will involve evaluating whether the increased cost makes certain jobs less viable.
There may be an incentive to accelerate any hiring plans before the new lottery cycle begins (if that is possible), or to seek alternate visa categories if feasible.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP News, Business Insider, The Economic Times, The Washington Post etc.) transparently.]
