US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 has sparked widespread concern among Indian professionals. After initial confusion, the White House has clarified that the hefty charge is a one-time fee applicable only to new application.
H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Trump’s $100,000 Rule Takes Effect
The United States will now charge $100,000 (around ₹8.8 crore) for new H-1B visa applications, starting today (September 21, US time). President Donald Trump signed the executive order at the White House on Saturday, triggering anxiety among immigrants and tech workers, especially Indian professionals who make up the largest group of H-1B beneficiaries.
White House Clarification
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarified on Saturday that the $100,000 fee is a one-time charge, not an annual fee. The fee applies only to new applications, not to renewals or existing visa holders.
Key clarifications include:
- The rule applies only to new H-1B applications.
- Existing H-1B visa holders will not be charged again for re-entry.
- Renewals and extensions of current visas are not affected.
- The fee will be implemented starting with the upcoming H-1B lottery cycle.
USCIS Statement
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also issued a clarification on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“President Trump’s new H-1B visa rules apply only to new, prospective applications that have not yet been filed. Applications submitted before September 21, 2025, will not be affected.”
This announcement has stirred debate globally, particularly in India, where thousands of IT professionals depend on the H-1B program to work in the US.