H-1B Visa Fee Reform: $100,000 Levy Announced for New Petitions

President Donald Trump has announced a $100,000 fee for all new H-1B visa petitions submitted after September 21, 2025, as part of a reform initiative to curb abuses and protect American workers. The fee will affect FY2026 and future lotteries, sparking discussions on the implications for foreign workers and companies.

President Donald Trump has proclaimed a $100,000 fee requirement for all new H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025, aiming to reform and protect American labor interests. This initiative, outlined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), represents a significant shift in the employment-based immigration policy.

The fee is applicable to any new petition submitted post the 12:01 am deadline on the specified date, but it does not impact current visa holders or those renewing their status. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure the H-1B program is utilized for hiring highly-skilled foreign workers, thereby raising labor standards.

Further reforms include potential changes to wage levels and the prioritization of high-paid workers, alongside coordinated implementation by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State. These steps, according to officials, are necessary to refine the program and curb exploitation.