Trump announces $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions

Highlights: New H-1B Visa petitions to cost $100,000 Under Trump Rule

• A $100,000 fee is now mandatory for all new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025.
• Renewals, re-entries, and current H-1B holders will not be affected by the new rule.
• Indians are the most impacted, holding 71% of all H-1B visas in FY24, and compared to just 10% for China.
• Previously, filing fees were much lower, around $215 for registration and $750 for petitions.
• With visas valid for three years, the total cost could rise to $300,000 for a standard H-1B term.

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New H-1B Visa Applications Now Cost $100,000

On September 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa petitions. The policy came into effect from 12:01 AM ET on September 21, 2025, making the payment mandatory for employers filing fresh petitions. Without this payment, new applications will not be processed.

The announcement initially created panic among Indian professionals, given that 71% of H-1B visas are held by Indians, mostly in the IT sector. Many feared the rule would apply to renewals or existing visa holders, which could have disrupted careers and families overnight.

However, the White House clarified within 24 hours that the fee would apply only to new petitions. This means that existing visa holders, renewals, and re-entry applications remain unaffected. For current H-1B workers and their dependents on H-4 visas, travel and work arrangements will continue as before.

The new fee marks a massive increase compared to earlier charges, which were just $215 for registration and $750 for petitions. With visas typically valid for three years, the total cost of sponsorship could now reach $300,000, creating significant barriers for employers seeking to hire foreign professionals.

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What the $100K H-1B Fee Means for Indians

• Indian professionals, who hold 71% of all H-1B visas, are the most impacted by the new $100,000 fee.
• Existing H-1B holders, renewals, and dependents on H-4 visas remain unaffected by the policy.
• The steep fee will mainly hit new applicants, especially junior and mid-level professionals seeking U.S. opportunities.
• S. employers may sponsor only senior or highly specialized talent to justify the added costs.
• Indian IT firms are expected to increase outsourcing to India and rely more on Indian-origin professionals already in the U.S.
• The Trump administration projects the fee will raise over $100 billion for the U.S. Treasury, filtering out low-paid roles.
• A new “Gold Card” visa has been introduced, requiring a $1 million individual or $2 million corporate contribution, offering direct residency to top investors and talent.
   

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