U.S. Imposes $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visa Petitions for Workers Outside the U.S.
What changed
Starting 21 September 2025, a new Proclamation limits how H-1B workers can enter the United States. Employers must include a $100,000 payment with petitions for H-1B specialty occupation workers. A specialty occupation is a job that usually needs a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. The Secretary of Homeland Security will stop decisions on H-1B petitions that do not include this payment, for workers who are currently outside the U.S. This restriction lasts for 12 months. There is an exception if the government decides the case is important for the country's interest and does not threaten security. This rule aims to stop what the government sees as misuse of the H-1B programme, especially in technology industries. It affects both employers and people who want to work in the U.S. with an H-1B visa.
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Policy history
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Related changes
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What changed
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Published 24 Aug 2026Associated Press
New Zealand Finalizes Changes to Skilled Migrant Category and Work to Residence Visas, Introducing Wage Threshold Simplification and Qualification Updates
What changed
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Published 18 Jun 2026Effective 24 Aug 2026New Zealand Government — Beehive releases
DHS Proposes Additional H-1B Fee of $103,265 for Cap-Subject Petitions
What changed
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wants to add a fee of $103,265 for all H-1B cap-subject petitions. This includes petitions for people with advanced degrees that are exempt from the usual cap. This new fee was announced on 24 August 2026. You would pay it when you file the petition, along with other fees you already pay. DHS believes this fee will raise about $8.8 billion each year. This money would help cover the federal government's costs to run the legal immigration system. The fee will apply to employers and people who file H-1B cap-subject petitions. It will not apply to petitions that are not subject to the cap. Examples include petitions from non-profit research groups and universities, which are exempt.
Published 24 Aug 2026USCIS Newsroom
US Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump-Era Immigrant Visa Ban Affecting 75 Countries
What changed
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Published 21 Aug 2026Effective 21 Aug 2026Al Jazeera English — All news