The New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: What Employers and Workers Need to Know

The H-1B visa has long been one of the most important pathways for U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign talent, especially in tech, healthcare, and engineering. But in September 2025, the landscape shifted dramatically when President Trump introduced a new $100,000 application fee for certain H-1B petitions.

This change has sparked major debate among employers, workers, and policymakers. Here’s a breakdown of what changed, who’s affected, and what it means for the future of high-skill immigration in the U.S.

What Changed?

• A $100,000 fee now applies to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025.

• The fee does not apply to renewals, extensions, or petitions filed before that date.

• The Department of Homeland Security can waive the fee if a worker’s entry is deemed in the national interest or does not harm U.S. labor markets.

• The measure is currently set for 12 months but could be extended.

👉 Business Insider confirms that existing visa holders will not be forced to pay the new fee when renewing or reentering the U.S.

How Much Did It Cost Before?

Before this change, employers typically paid:

• $215 for H-1B lottery registration

• Around $780 for the base petition

• Additional surcharges and optional premium processing fees

Altogether, the total cost was usually in the low thousands, not six figures. The jump to $100,000 represents a seismic increase in sponsorship costs.

Who Is Affected?

• Employers: Large tech firms may be able to absorb the cost, but small businesses and startups will find it much harder to justify sponsoring foreign workers.

• Foreign talent: Applicants outside the U.S. face a new barrier to entry. Existing H-1B holders in the U.S. remain unaffected for now, though travel or future job changes could complicate matters.

• Global impact: Countries like India, which provide the largest number of H-1B workers, have expressed concern that this fee could disrupt services exports and remittance flows (Reuters).

Why Was This Introduced?

The administration argues the fee will:

• Prevent “abuse” of the system

• Protect U.S. workers from displacement

• Generate revenue for the federal government

Critics argue the move will:

• Make the U.S. less attractive to top global talent

• Harm industries facing domestic skill shortages

• Lead to outsourcing or remote hiring abroad instead of bringing workers to the U.S.

What’s Next?

• Legal challenges are expected — many immigration experts question whether the executive branch can impose such a large fee without Congress.

• Legislative reform may follow — already, U.S. senators have reintroduced bills to reform H-1B and L-1 visa programs in light of the fee (Reuters).

• Employers and workers should prepare for uncertainty, as further changes or clarifications could arrive in the months ahead.

Key Takeaways

• The $100,000 H-1B fee applies only to new petitions filed after Sept. 21, 2025.

• Current H-1B holders and renewals are not affected.

• The move could reshape the U.S. talent pipeline, pushing employers to rethink immigration strategies.

• Legal and political battles will determine whether this fee remains in place long-term.

✍️ Final Thought: For now, the H-1B program is still alive — but it has become far more exclusive. Employers should consult immigration counsel before filing new petitions, and foreign professionals should closely monitor updates to ensure their career plans stay on track.