Trump Moves to Impose $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visa Applications

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2025 - President Donald Trump today announced plans to overhaul the H-1B visa program by requiring a new $100,000 application fee for specialty-occupation workers seeking U.S. employment under the H-1B category.

Key changes and rationale The presidential proclamation, expected to be signed today, will mandate payment of a six-figure fee alongside existing registration and petition charges to curb perceived overuse of the H-1B pathway and protect domestic workers. Administration officials argue the high fee will deter non-essential hiring of foreign labor and ensure companies prioritize American applicants.

Impact and implementation timeline The new fee joins the current $215 electronic registration charge and the $780 Form I-129 filing fee. Upon signing, the rule will take effect 30 days later, forcing employers to budget significantly higher costs for each H-1B submission. Immigration attorneys warn the move could dramatically reduce H-1B filings and exacerbate skill shortages in tech and healthcare sectors.

Policy context and reactions This action follows the September 17 introduction of the American Tech Workforce Act by Senator Jim Banks, which proposes raising the minimum H-1B wage floor to $150,000 and ending the Optional Practical Training program. Business groups and university associations have decried both initiatives as overreach that will hinder U.S. competitiveness and hamper innovation.

Next steps After publication in the Federal Register, affected employers may submit public comments during a 60-day notice period. Legal challenges are anticipated from industry coalitions and advocacy organizations, setting the stage for a protracted battle over the future of skilled immigration policy in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.