🇺🇸 H-1B Visa Fee Hike Clarified: $100,000 Fee Applies Only to New Applications, Says White House

Washington, D.C. – In a major clarification following widespread confusion, the White House confirmed that the newly announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee will apply only to new applications and is not an annual or recurring charge.

This clarification comes after a presidential proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on Friday, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” which outlined sweeping changes to the U.S. H-1B visa program, sparking concern across the global tech industry — especially among Indian IT professionals, tech companies, and immigration lawyers.

🧾 What the $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Actually Means

According to the White House press secretary's statement issued on Saturday, the $100,000 fee:

• ✅ Applies only to new H-1B visa applications

• ❌ Does NOT apply to renewals

• ❌ Does NOT affect current visa holders

• ❌ Is NOT an annual fee — it is a one-time petition fee

“This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition,” said the White House press secretary.

🛂 Existing H-1B Holders Can Travel Freely — No Need to Rush Back

Many companies and H-1B holders, especially those visiting India, were left in panic, fearing that if they didn’t return to the U.S. before Sunday, they might be forced to pay the $100,000 fee to re-enter.

However, the White House made it crystal clear:

“Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.”

This means existing H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the U.S. without paying the new fee, provided their visa is valid.

A senior U.S. official further told ANI:

“Those visiting or leaving the country, or traveling to India, do not need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. It is applicable only for new visa applications.”

🌍 Global Reaction: Panic Turns to Relief

The announcement caused widespread panic among Indian IT professionals, who are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B program. Major tech companies reportedly advised their employees visiting India to return immediately to avoid being caught in a potential visa limbo.

However, with the clarification now issued, existing visa holders and companies can breathe easier, knowing the fee hike only affects future applicants.

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🏢 Industry Impact: What's Next for Tech Companies?

The H-1B visa program, which brings in over 85,000 highly skilled foreign workers annually, is a cornerstone of U.S. tech industry hiring. The sudden hike in application fees could:

• Increase costs for U.S. companies hiring international talent

• Reduce the number of H-1B filings from small to mid-sized companies

• Force businesses to reassess hiring plans for overseas talent

Immigration attorneys are calling for clearer legal documentation and guidance from the Department of Homeland Security in the coming weeks.

 Final Word from Biz Gossip

The panic caused by the $100,000 H-1B fee announcement has now been addressed with clear guidance from the White House. While the one-time fee is still a steep increase for new applicants, current H-1B holders are unaffected — and there’s no need to panic or rush back to the U.S.

Still, the move signals a shift in U.S. immigration policy that may influence how tech companies recruit talent in the future. At Biz Gossip, we’ll continue to monitor the story and provide verified updates as more details emerge.