In a sweeping move that has sent shockwaves through the technology sector and immigration communities, the U.S. government has announced a dramatic increase in visa fees for skilled workers. The new policy, effective on September 21, 2025, marks one of the most significant changes to the H-1B visa program in recent history.

This new measure will have a profound impact on U.S. companies that hire international talent and on the professionals who rely on the H-1B visa to work in the United States.

The New Rule: A $100,000 H-1B Fee

Under a new presidential proclamation, a $100,000 annual fee is now required for each H-1B visa application. This is a monumental increase from the previous costs, which typically ranged from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the employer.

The new fee applies to petitions for workers coming from abroad. The responsibility for payment falls squarely on the sponsoring company, in addition to existing filing and legal fees. According to the administration, this fee is intended to be a powerful deterrent against companies using the visa program to hire foreign talent at lower wages instead of American workers.

The Rationale: “Protecting American Jobs”

The administration has framed the fee hike as a measure to ensure that only the “most highly skilled” and “high-value” workers are being hired through the H-1B program. The new cost is intended to make it financially unfeasible for companies to use the visa for junior or mid-level positions, thereby redirecting those opportunities to U.S. graduates and workers.

This move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the U.S. skilled worker landscape and prioritize American talent.

The Impact: A Major Shift for Businesses and Professionals

The new fee structure presents a significant challenge for all parties involved:

• For Companies: The cost of hiring a single international employee has now skyrocketed. This new financial burden will force companies, especially startups and smaller firms, to re-evaluate their talent acquisition strategies. It may limit their ability to compete for specialized talent or compel them to shift operations and hiring outside the U.S.
• For Professionals: While the fee is paid by the employer, the new policy creates uncertainty for foreign professionals. Those currently outside the U.S. have been urged to return immediately to avoid being stranded, and the new cost may discourage many from even considering the H-1B as a viable option.

The new rule is expected to have the greatest impact on the technology and IT sectors, which are the largest users of the H-1B program. The policy will effectively change the profile of a typical H-1B worker, making it viable only for positions requiring the most advanced and highly compensated skills.

Navigating this rapidly changing landscape is more critical than ever. The new fee and the accompanying legal complexities demand careful strategic planning from both companies and individuals. We can connect you with licensed attorneys who can provide up-to-the-minute guidance and help you understand how these new rules affect your specific situation.

Sources:

• The Economic Times: “H-1B visa holders told to return to US by immigration attorneys and companies before $100,000 fee takes effect”
• The Washington Post: “Trump unveils $100K yearly fee on H-1B visas in clampdown on legal immigration”