Who Really Pays the $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee? Top 10 Questions Answered

The H-1B visa just got a whole lot more expensive—and everyone’s buzzing about it. Starting September 21, 2025, a brand-new rule requires US companies filing fresh H-1B petitions to pay a whopping $100,000 one-time fee.

Sounds massive, right? But here’s the catch: not everyone is on the hook for this, and if you’re already working in the US on an H-1B, you can breathe easy.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

What’s the deal with the new H-1B fee?

Under the Trump administration’s new rule, companies hiring foreign workers through new H-1B petitions must pay $100,000 per application. This doesn’t apply to renewals or current visa holders—only new, first-time petitions filed after September 21.

Read More :- IND vs PAK Live Streaming, Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: When and Where to Watch the Big Clash

Who doesn’t have to pay?

• Current H-1B holders: If you already have a valid visa, you’re safe.
• Workers outside the US with an existing visa: You can re-enter without paying extra.
• Renewals and extensions: Not covered under this rule.
• Special exemptions: The Secretary of Homeland Security can waive the fee if it’s in the “national interest.”

Is this an annual payment?

Nope. The White House has made it clear—this is a one-time fee when filing a new petition. No yearly charges, no repeat payments.

Will this affect who gets H-1Bs?

Yes. Expect high-skilled, high-paid workers to be prioritized. The Department of Labor is also adjusting prevailing wage levels, meaning companies will need to pay more competitive salaries instead of hiring at the lower end.

What if a company skips the fee?

Simple: their petition gets rejected, and the worker is denied entry. The US government isn’t messing around with this one.

Read More :- Flipkart Big Billion Days 2025: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and Pro Max Get Massive Discounts

Top 10 FAQs Answered

1. What is the H-1B visa? A work visa that lets US companies hire foreign talent in fields like IT, engineering, medicine, and science.
2. Who pays the $100,000 fee? Employers filing new petitions.
3. Does this affect current H-1B holders? No.
4. Is it a yearly fee? No, just once per petition.
5. Can H-1B holders still travel in and out of the US? Yes, no changes.
6. Who can be exempt? Cases in the “national interest” as decided by Homeland Security.
7. What proof is needed? Employers must show receipt of payment before filing.
8. Who verifies it? The Secretary of State during the visa process.
9. Will wages go up? Likely yes, since the government wants to avoid undercutting.
10. Is this permanent? Not yet. The rule is valid for 12 months, with a review due after the next lottery cycle.

Bottom line

This $100,000 H-1B fee is a game-changer, but it’s not as scary as it sounds if you’re already on an H-1B. The real pressure is on US employers, who now face a massive cost barrier when bringing in fresh foreign talent.