On September 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions filed from outside the United States.
Key Points
- Effective from: September 21, 2025, 12:01 AM EDT.
- Applies to: Only new H-1B petitions from outside the U.S.
- Exemptions: Existing holders, renewals, and cases deemed in national interest.
- Rationale: To curb system abuse and attract only “extraordinary talent.”
Impact
- Employers: Sharp rise in costs → shift toward local hiring.
- Workers: Entry barrier for junior/mid-level professionals; travel concerns for dependents.
- Indian IT firms: Nasscom warns of disruption; firms may accelerate local recruitment.
