The U.S. government has introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions, effective September 21, 2025. According to the White House, this is a one-time charge that applies only to fresh applications, while current H-1B visa holders will not be affected when renewing or re-entering the country.
White House Clarifies Policy
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt explained on social media that the new fee targets first-time petitions and does not apply to renewals.
This clarification corrected earlier remarks from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who mistakenly suggested the charge would be annual. The updated policy ensures existing visa holders can continue to travel without additional costs.
Concerns From U.S. Companies
The announcement initially alarmed major employers such as Microsoft, JPMorgan, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. Some firms even advised H-1B employees to delay international travel until details became clearer.
However, the White House’s clarification eased concerns, assuring that only new applicants would face the $100,000 cost.
Why the Fee Was Introduced
President Donald Trump signed the measure into law on Friday. The administration argues the fee protects American workers by discouraging companies from relying on cheaper foreign labor. It also highlights national security considerations.
In certain cases, petitions that demonstrate a significant benefit to the United States may qualify for exemptions.
Heavy Impact on Tech Industry
The change could hit the technology sector especially hard. India’s IT industry, which heavily depends on H-1B visas, has voiced strong concerns.
Industry body Nasscom warned the steep fee could disrupt global operations and talent flows. Data from the White House shows that the proportion of H-1B workers in technology grew from 32% in 2003 to more than 65% today.
New Enforcement Rules Ahead
Trump’s executive order directs the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to design new enforcement rules. These will include stricter audits, penalties, and updated wage requirements.
The Labor Department will also revise wage levels to ensure the visas are issued primarily for high-skill, high-wage positions, further limiting cheaper labor imports.
Mixed Reactions Among Workers
The news created panic among H-1B holders. Many shared experiences on Rednote, a popular social media platform, describing rushed trips back to the U.S. out of fear they would face the new fee.
Officials reiterated that the measure targets program abuse, safeguards American jobs, and supports the broader U.S. workforce.
