Amid growing debate in the US over H-1B visas, the White House has clarified details after President Donald Trump announced a fee hike.
Officials confirmed that the $100,000 fee will only apply to new H-1B visa applications.
Existing visa holders and those applying for renewals will not be affected. The new fee will come into effect from the next H-1B lottery cycle.
What Exactly Is the New Rule?
A $100,000 fee will apply annually.
It is only for new H-1B visa applications.
It will not apply to renewals or current visa holders.
The rule will begin with the upcoming visa lottery.
Reason Behind the Fee Hike
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the move delivers on Trump’s promise to prioritize American workers.
She explained that the measure is aimed at stopping companies from “spamming the system” and lowering wages, while ensuring that businesses genuinely needing skilled workers can still hire them.
President Trump, while signing the proclamation, added: “We need workers. We need good workers, and this ensures they are hired in the right way.”
Impact on Companies
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the policy, saying it would discourage firms from depending on foreign workers.
He explained that companies would now need to spend heavily — first by paying $100,000 to the government and then covering salaries — making it economically unviable to hire foreign employees.
Instead, he said, companies will be encouraged to train and hire recent US graduates and American workers.
India Likely to Be Most Affected
According to Pew Research data, Indian-born professionals received about 73% of all approved H-1B visas in 2023, followed by Chinese workers at 12%.
With this new rule, Indian applicants are expected to be most affected. However, the relief is that current H-1B holders and those applying for renewal will not face the new fee.
Conclusion
If you already hold an H-1B visa or are renewing it, this new $100,000 fee does not apply to you. It will only affect new applicants, starting with the next visa lottery cycle.
