One-Time $100,000 H-1B Fee Only for Fresh Applicants, Not Existing Visa Holders
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ September 21,2025
The White House has clarified that the newly introduced $100,000 (around Rs. 90 lakh) H-1B visa application fee—announced under President Donald Trump’s directive—will apply only to new applications and not to applications filed before September 21 (Sunday).
The directive, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Non-Immigrant Workers,” had sparked widespread concern and confusion, particularly among Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders. The order significantly increases the cost of obtaining an H-1B visa, raising fears of restricted access to U.S. employment opportunities.
In a statement, the White House clarified that the steep fee will affect only petitions submitted on or after 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, while those who already hold H-1B visas, or have submitted petitions before the cutoff date, will not be impacted.
“This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition,” a White House official said on X https://x.com/PressSec/status/196949590047848874
“H-1B visa holders can continue to leave and re-enter the country as they normally would. Their travel rights are not affected by this proclamation.”
The official further added that the new fee applies exclusively to new visa applications, not to renewals or to existing visa holders, and will be implemented starting with the next H-1B lottery cycle.
