The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that, effective today at 12:01 a.m. EDT, all new H-1B visa petitions must include a supplemental $100,000 fee.
This change comes after a presidential proclamation issued earlier this month, aimed at tightening employment-based immigration and increasing revenue for U.S. programs.
🔑 What’s Changing?
- Any new H-1B petition (for workers outside the U.S. or first-time applicants) must now include this fee.
- The rule does not apply to renewals, extensions, or transfers for current H-1B holders.
- Petitions filed before Sept 21, 2025, are not subject to the extra cost.
🧾 What Are the Options Now?
- Employers sponsoring foreign talent under H-1B will need to budget significantly more for new hires.
- Companies may explore alternative visas (O-1, L-1, TN for Canadians/Mexicans) if costs are prohibitive.
- Current H-1B workers can still extend or transfer without this supplemental fee.
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Petitions filed after Sept 21, even if prepared earlier, must include the $100,000 payment.
- Failure to pay the fee will result in rejection.
- This is in addition to regular USCIS filing fees, attorney costs, and optional premium processing.
📲 Learn More:
Full USCIS guidance → uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/h-1b-faq
