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The New $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee: What You Need to Know

The U.S. H-1B visa has long been a pathway for skilled professionals to work legally in America. From tech workers in Silicon Valley to healthcare professionals in hospitals across the country, this visa has connected U.S. employers with global talent.

But a new executive order signed by President Trump now requires a $100,000 application fee for each new H-1B visa filing. This unprecedented cost is expected to reshape the program entirely.

Who Does This Visa Fee Affect?

  • Future applicants outside the U.S. – The new fee applies only to those filing from abroad. This does not impact current H-1B holders in the U.S. who are extending or transferring their visas.
  • Employers – Companies now pay the $100,000 upfront cost per application. They take this risk before they know whether the lottery selects the worker.
  • Foreign professionals – Highly skilled workers abroad will face fewer opportunities. Many employers may no longer sponsor due to the high expense.

What This Means for Employers

For U.S. businesses, this change represents more than just a higher price tag:

  • Risky investment – Employers must commit \$100,000 per application. The lottery may or may not select their candidate.
  • Reduced access to global talent – Industries that rely heavily on H-1B workers, like tech, engineering, and research, may face shortages.
  • Increased labor costs – With fewer immigrant professionals available, wages for U.S. workers in certain industries may rise. this can increase overall business expenses.

What This Means for Workers

For foreign professionals, the change is even more dramatic:

  • Shrinking opportunities – Many U.S. companies may simply stop applying for H-1B visas.
  • Fewer legal pathways – This effectively blocks one of the remaining options for skilled immigrants to work legally in the US.
  • More uncertainty – Students on F-1 visas or recent graduates hoping to transition to H-1B will now face tougher odds.

This new executive order is a game-changer for the H-1B visa program. It puts unprecedented financial pressure on employers. This makes it harder than ever for skilled immigrants to pursue careers in the U.S.

Shepelsky Law closely monitors how this rule develops. We track what options remain for employers and workers. If you or your company are considering sponsorship, now is the time to speak with an experienced immigration attorney. They can talk to you about alternative strategies.