Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000 — Impacts, Timeline & What to Do . By vivek ved
Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: What It Means for Workers and Employers In a historic move, the Trump administration has introduced a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, sending shockwaves through the global tech industry and immigrant communities. The change, effective from September 21, 2025, marks one of the most significant shifts in U.S. skilled immigration policy in decades. What’s Changing? The new rule applies to first-time H-1B petitions filed for workers outside the United States. Existing H-1B holders, renewals, and most extensions are exempt. Alongside the fee hike, the Department of Labor has been directed to raise prevailing wage levels, ensuring that foreign workers are paid at or above higher market standards. Why It Matters For employers, especially in the technology sector, this move represents a massive financial burden. Large corporations may absorb the cost, but startups and mid-sized businesses could struggle to hire global talent. For foreign profess...