H1-B visa fees likely to be increased to more than $100,000 by US govt. Who will be affected? - The Economic Times

SynopsisThe Trump administration is proposing a $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions for workers hired within the US, adding a major cost for employers seeking skilled foreign professionals, according to Bloomberg Tax. The proposal follows a court ruling that overturned Trump’s earlier $100,000 H-1B fee for workers hired from outside the US.ReutersTrump administration is proposing to add a new $100,000 fee for H-1B workers hired within the US.The Trump administration is proposing to add a new $100,000 fee for H-1B workers hired within the United States, a ‘massive new cost’ for the primary option to employ skilled foreign professionals, reported Bloomberg Tax.US Department of Homeland Security’s proposal comes after a court overturned Trump’s $100,000 charge for H-1B visa holders hired from outside the country.That fee, issued through a White House proclamation, disrupted hiring plans for many employers but didn’t apply to students and others approved for H-1B status in the US.ALSO READ | American dream turns more distant for Indians as US tightens immigration rulesDHS is also reportedly weighing a plan to add a $100,000 charge for participation in Optional Practical Training, a post-graduate employment program for foreign students on F-1 visas.Who will be affected?As per Bloomberg, the new $103,265 fee would apply to all petitions for H-1B workers subject to an annual statutory cap, including those with master’s degrees. It “would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government’s costs of administering the lawful immigration system.” ALSO READ | US moves to impose more than $100,000 fee for H-1B worker visasIndians got 70% of H-1B visasIndian nationals accounted for about 70% of approved H-1B petitions in 2024-25, according to experts. The move is therefore likely to hit Indians looking to work in the US the hardest.Moving to the United States to work or settle permanently is becoming increasingly difficult as two major policy shifts compound existing challenges.USCIS guidance on application denials: As of August 5, immigration officers have the discretion to deny applications—including Green Cards—outright without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny. This places higher pressure on initial filings to be flawless, as missing documentation can lead to immediate rejection rather than a second chance.Proposed elimination of 60-day grace period: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed ending the 60-day window currently granted to high-skilled workers to find a new employer or change their status after a layoff. Though still under White House review and not yet active law, its enactment would force laid-off workers to secure immediate sponsorship or leave the country without delay.Since January 2025, the US administration has been introducing more intensive screening and enforcement across both legal and humanitarian immigration. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now