A Shocking Fee Shakes Up the H-1B Landscape
The H-1B visa program, a lifeline for thousands of skilled foreign workers in the U.S. tech sector, just got hit with a seismic change. On Friday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing a
$100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications, effective September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. The move has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, with major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft scrambling to advise their international employees on what to do next.
Who’s Impacted—and Who Isn’t?
Here’s the twist:
existing H-1B visa holders and those renewing their visas are NOT subject to the new fee. According to senior U.S. administration officials, the $100,000 charge applies only to
new H-1B petitions, not to current holders or those seeking extensions. So, if you’re already working in the U.S. on an H-1B, you don’t need to rush back before the deadline or worry about the fee—contrary to the initial panic that swept through tech circles.
For those outside the U.S. or planning to apply for an H-1B, the landscape has changed dramatically. The fee is designed to prioritize “high-skilled, high-paid foreign nationals” and ensure that only those who cannot be easily replaced by U.S. workers are brought in. The Department of Homeland Security and State Department are tasked with enforcing these new restrictions, and further details are expected in the coming weeks.
Tech Giants React: Memos and Travel Warnings
Big Tech isn’t taking any chances. Internal memos from Amazon and Microsoft urge H-1B holders and their dependents to
stay in the U.S. for now, even if they had travel plans. The companies are actively seeking clarity on the new rules and promise to keep employees updated as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, given that
over 70% of H-1B visas go to Indian nationals. Indian officials have advised their missions to assist citizens traveling back to the U.S. and are studying the full implications of the fee, warning of potential humanitarian consequences for families caught in the crossfire.
Recent H-1B Program Updates: Beyond the Fee
While the fee dominates headlines, other recent changes to the H-1B program are worth noting:
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Modernized Electronic Registration: Employers now register electronically before submitting full petitions, streamlining the process.
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Expanded Eligibility: Entrepreneurs and business owners can sponsor themselves if they hold a majority stake and spend most of their time on qualifying work.
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Relaxed Degree Requirements: The bachelor’s degree requirement for specialty occupations has been loosened, broadening eligibility.
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Cap-Gap Relief for Students: F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status get automatic extensions, reducing work authorization gaps.
What This Means for the Future
The $100,000 fee is a game-changer, likely to
reduce the number of new H-1B applicants and shift the focus to only the most highly skilled—and highly paid—foreign workers. Tech companies may face talent shortages, and families could be separated if new applicants can’t afford the fee. Policymakers in both the U.S. and India are expected to consult on next steps, balancing innovation, economic growth, and humanitarian concerns.
For now, if you’re an H-1B holder already in the U.S., breathe easy—but stay tuned. The rules are evolving, and the next few weeks will be critical for anyone navigating America’s complex immigration landscape.
Sources
1. Read the Memos Sent to Big Tech Staff About Trump's H-1B Changes
2. H1B Visa News: Latest Updates (2025) - Paycor
3. H-1B Visa Holders Face $100,000 Entry Fee - Ogletree
4. H-1B visa holders don't need to rush back, new rules & fee only for ...
5. H-1B Workers Leaving The US: Does Trump’s $100,000 Fee Apply On Re-Entry? | FAQs
6. H-1B Cap 2026-27: Lottery Timeline, Process, Dates | VisaNation
7. Executive Order Related to H-1B Nonimmigrants Issued
8. H1B Visa News - GovAssist
9. Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
10. H-1B Visa Changes Approved by White House | Hacker News
