A $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions begins on September 21, 2025. The White House says it’s a one-time fee for new petitions. Current H-1B visa holders won’t pay it when re-entering the U.S.
White House Clears Confusion
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt posted on social media, “This fee is for new petitions only, not renewals.”
This corrects Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s claim that it was an annual fee. The fee applies to the next H-1B lottery round. Current visa holders can travel freely.
Companies React to News
The fee announcement worried companies like Microsoft, JPMorgan, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. Some told H-1B workers to avoid travel abroad. The White House’s update calmed fears. Existing visa holders face no extra costs.
Why the Fee Exists
President Donald Trump signed the fee into law on Friday. It aims to protect American workers. The White House says it stops companies from hiring cheaper foreign workers. It also supports national security. Some petitions may be exempt if they benefit the U.S.
Impact on Tech Companies
India’s tech industry relies on H-1B visas. Nasscom, an industry group, warns the fee could disrupt global work. The White House notes H-1B workers in tech grew from 32% in 2003 to over 65% now.
New Rules Coming
Trump’s order asks the Labor and Homeland Security Departments to set rules. These will cover enforcement, audits, and penalties. The Labor Secretary will also update H-1B wage levels. The focus is on high-skill, high-pay workers.
Workers’ Fears
The fee news scared H-1B holders. Many on Rednote, a social media app, shared stories of rushing back to the U.S. They feared paying the new fee. The White House says the fee fights program abuse and protects U.S. interests.
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