Trump extends $100K H-1B fee for another year, keeping the additional payment requirement for certain new H-1B visa applications in place until September 21, 2027.
The decision could affect US employers planning to hire skilled foreign workers, including professionals from India.
The US administration introduced the substantial fee in September 2025 as part of its efforts to address alleged misuse of the H-1B visa programme and reduce dependence on lower-paid foreign workers.
Trump Extends $100K H-1B Fee for Another Year
Under the extended policy, employers sponsoring certain new H-1B visa applications must pay an additional $100,000.
The requirement applies to specified applications involving foreign workers seeking employment in the United States.
The extension means that the additional payment will remain in effect for another year, subject to the applicable rules and any developments in ongoing legal proceedings.
The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for specialised occupations.
It is widely used in sectors such as information technology, engineering and other skilled industries.
What the H-1B Fee Means for Indian Workers
Indian professionals are among the major groups using the H-1B visa route to work in the United States.
The higher payment requirement could influence employers’ decisions when recruiting skilled workers from overseas.
The additional cost is generally a concern for sponsoring employers rather than a standard personal visa charge paid directly by every H-1B worker.
Companies may need to consider the financial implications before submitting eligible applications.
However, the effect on an individual worker will depend on the type of application, the employer’s circumstances and the rules applicable to that case.
The extension does not mean that every Indian professional working in the United States must pay $100,000 to continue employment.
The requirement concerns specified new H-1B applications and does not automatically apply to all existing visa holders.
Legal Challenge Against the H-1B Fee
The $100,000 payment requirement has faced legal challenges in the United States.
A federal court in Massachusetts ruled in June 2026 that the fee was unlawful, but the US government appealed the decision.
The continuing legal proceedings create uncertainty over the future application of the policy.
Employers and prospective foreign workers may therefore need to monitor further court decisions and official immigration guidance.
The extension is separate from the broader debate over the H-1B programme, including concerns about foreign-worker recruitment, wages and the hiring practices of US companies.
Other Changes to the H-1B Programme
The US administration has also introduced changes to the H-1B selection process.
A wage-weighted system gives applicants associated with higher-paying positions greater representation in the selection process.
The government has additionally announced measures involving employers that rely heavily on H-1B or L-1 workers.
These changes form part of a wider effort to increase scrutiny of employment-based immigration.
For Indian workers planning to apply for an H-1B visa, the latest extension means that the additional fee remains an important factor in the recruitment and sponsorship process.
Applicants should check the latest official guidance and consult qualified immigration professionals regarding the rules that apply to their specific circumstances.
