There were shockwaves around the world when the Trump administration announced that some H-1B Visa applicants would have to pay an extra $100,000. But not long after the announcement, the government made it clear who would not have to pay this heavy fine. Many applicants and employers were left confused, so the advice gives some people peace of mind but brings up big questions for others.
What the Fee Is and Why It’s Important
Companies in the U.S. hire highly skilled foreign workers with the H-1B visa. This visa has been an important part of talent mobility for a long time, especially in tech, engineering, healthcare, and education.
A presidential proclamation from September 19, 2025, says that new H-1B petitions must be made on or after September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. E, DT, and will be charged a one-time fee of $100,000.
This is a huge rise from the previous fees, which were usually a few thousand dollars. Employers, workers, and foreign nationals who want to apply are very worried about this.
Who Doesn’t Have to Pay the Fee?
This is where things get more complicated. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the White House have said that the following is not subject to the $100,000 fee:
People whose H-1B claim was sent in before September 21, 2025.
People who already have H-1B status and are living in the U.S. or who are changing their status (for example, from an F-1 student visa to H-1B) while they are in the U.S.
Applicants whose managers can show that the job is in the national interest may be able to get an exemption. Reports say that doctors and medical residents may be able to do this.
In short, you’ll probably have to pay the fee if you apply from outside the U.S. or if you enter through diplomatic processing after September 30. There are ways to get around this if you already have H-1B status or if your claim was filed early.
What This Means for People Who Have a Stake
This means that new foreign hires under H-1B who come in from outside the US will have to pay more. There is worry among many tech companies and startups.
Indian and other international graduates whose petitions have already been made should feel relieved. For new hires from outside the country, however, costs may be very high.
For the U.S. Workforce
The government says this is part of reforms to put American workers first and keep wages high. Some people say it might make it harder to get important foreign talent.
The new H-1B fee rule from the Trump administration changes everything. Some people are relieved by the exemptions, especially current visa holders and some groups, like healthcare workers. But for many others, the situation is very dangerous and uncertain. If you or your company is an H-1B applicant, now is the time to check your status, the date you filed, and your ability to get an exemption. This policy change is likely to have an impact on many businesses and talent pools around the world.
