US President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. This fee will affect foreign workers starting September 21, 2025. The new rule applies to skilled workers entering or re-entering the US. Those already in the US under the H-1B program (extensions, transfers, or status adjustments) will not be charged the fee. While some exemptions for ‘national interest’ cases might exist, details are vague. It’s uncertain whether existing H-1B holders traveling abroad will need to pay the fee upon return, and whether the fee is a one-time charge or an annual expense. The payment process also needs clarification. F-1 students who transition to H-1B status within the US are exempt, whereas those outside the US with H-1B approval will likely be required to pay.
This measure is expected to impact Indian IT professionals and companies significantly. The potential for increased demand for alternative visas, such as L-1 and O-1 visas, exists. The tech and STEM immigration flow to the US could be disrupted. Legal action is anticipated, echoing the legal challenges faced during the 2017 travel ban. The order is a presidential proclamation, which will remain in effect unless a court rules against it.