The U.S. government has introduced a major change to its H-1B visa program, one that could reshape how companies — especially in the tech industry — hire foreign workers. Beginning September 21, 2025, new H-1B visa applications will come with a $100,000 fee, according to reports from Axios and Politico. While the news has sparked concern among employers and international professionals, there are key details and exemptions that provide some clarity.
No Impact on Existing H-1B Holders
One of the most important aspects of the new fee is that it will not apply to existing visa holders. Individuals already holding a valid H-1B who are re-entering the U.S. will not be required to pay the additional charge. Similarly, renewals or petitions filed prior to September 21 will remain unaffected. This distinction ensures that current workers, who are already contributing to the U.S. economy, will not face unexpected financial barriers.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new fee directly impacts employers seeking to hire new international talent under the H-1B program. For tech companies, startups, and research-driven organizations, the cost of onboarding new skilled professionals will rise significantly. Traditionally, H-1B visa filing fees have ranged between $1,500 and $6,000 depending on company size and other factors. The jump to $100,000 per petition represents a massive financial shift, particularly for smaller firms.
Case-by-Case Exemptions
The proclamation signed by President Donald Trump includes provisions for “national interest” exemptions. While details remain limited, these exemptions could apply in cases where highly specialized workers are needed in areas such as defense, critical infrastructure, or advanced technology research. Such exemptions may provide a pathway for companies to avoid the steep fee under certain circumstances.
Why the Change?
The administration has framed the fee as a way to prioritize domestic workers, discourage excessive dependence on foreign labor, and raise revenue for immigration-related programs. However, critics argue that the policy could harm U.S. competitiveness in technology, medicine, and research, where global talent plays a critical role.
The Tech Industry Response
Tech companies are expected to be the most vocal opponents of the change. Firms like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and smaller startups rely heavily on H-1B workers to fill specialized roles that cannot always be sourced domestically. By dramatically increasing the cost of new petitions, the policy could push companies to reconsider their U.S. hiring strategies or expand operations abroad.
Global Talent and Innovation at Stake
The U.S. has long been a magnet for global talent, with the H-1B program serving as a primary pathway for skilled professionals, especially in STEM fields. Adding such a steep fee could deter applications and limit opportunities for international graduates of U.S. universities, many of whom contribute directly to innovation and economic growth.
What Employers Should Do Next
Employers planning to file new H-1B petitions after September 21 should prepare for the additional cost. Legal experts suggest reviewing hiring strategies, identifying potential candidates early, and exploring whether exemptions may apply. Companies may also need to adjust budgets significantly if they plan to rely on international talent in the coming years.
Conclusion
The introduction of a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions marks one of the most significant changes in the program’s history. While existing visa holders remain unaffected, the financial impact on future hires could be profound, particularly for smaller companies. Whether this policy strengthens opportunities for U.S. workers or risks undermining America’s competitive edge in innovation remains to be seen.
For now, both employers and international professionals will need to closely monitor how the rule is implemented — and whether exemptions provide meaningful relief.
