The USCIS H-1B proclamation announced in September 2025 has introduced one of the largest changes in U.S. visa policy in recent years. The new USA visa rule, issued through a presidential proclamation, sets a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions. Employers, foreign workers, and immigration professionals are now asking the same question: what exactly does this mean, and how does it change the cost of hiring skilled talent from abroad?
UPDATE: As the USCIS H-1B $100,000 fee increase, China has announced its own visa policy changes. From October 1, 2025, China will introduce a new K visa aimed at young science and technology professionals. Learn more about the China-K visa.
What is USCIS H-1B proclamation?
On September 19, 2025, the White House issued a proclamation called “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” This order requires that, starting September 21, 2025, most new H-1B petitions for workers outside the United States must include an additional $100,000 payment.
Key points of the USCIS H-1B proclamation include:
Effective date: 12:01 a.m. ET, September 21, 2025.
Applies to: New H-1B petitions filed for workers outside the U.S.
Exemptions: Renewals, extensions, and petitions for workers already in the U.S. are not affected.
Duration: The rule lasts for 12 months, unless extended by a future decision.
Exceptions: Cases considered in the national interest may be exempt, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
The fee is a one-time charge and does not replace existing filing fees. Instead, it is added on top of the standard USCIS charges that employers already pay.
US H1B visa fees old vs new
Before the proclamation, employers were already required to pay several fees to USCIS when filing an H-1B petition. The new proclamation does not remove these costs. Instead, it adds the $100,000 requirement in many cases.
Fee Type | Previous Cost (Old System) | New Requirement (After Proclamation) |
Electronic Registration Fee | $215 per applicant | Still required. |
Form I-129 Filing Fee | $780 | Still required. |
ACWIA Training Fee | $750 (≤25 employees) or $1,500 (>25 employees) | Still required. |
Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee | $500 | Still required. |
Premium Processing Fee (optional) | $2,805 | Still optional, not affected. |
New Presidential Proclamation Fee | — | $100,000 for new petitions filed abroad. |
In other words, an H-1B petition that used to cost around $5,000 to $7,000 in total filing fees may now cost over $105,000 if it involves a new worker outside the U.S.
3 reasons behind the USCIS H-1B 100000 dollars increase
The official explanation for the USCIS H-1B proclamation is to prioritize U.S. workers and raise prevailing wages. By increasing costs for new foreign hires, the administration intends to:
Reduce what it sees as over-reliance on foreign labor.
Encourage companies to hire U.S. citizens and permanent residents first.
Ensure that, when foreign workers are hired, they are in positions that truly serve the national interest.
The proclamation also directs the Department of Labor to raise prevailing wage levels, meaning companies will need to pay higher salaries to foreign workers in USCIS H-1B roles.
H-1B visa fee increase clarifications from USCIS
To avoid confusion, USCIS has provided some clarifications:
No retroactive application: Petitions filed before September 21, 2025, are not subject to the $100,000 fee.
Travel by existing H-1B holders: Workers who already hold valid visas can travel in and out of the U.S. without paying the new fee.
Renewals and extensions: Workers staying with the same employer or transferring within the U.S. are exempt.
The USCIS H-1B proclamation has reshaped the cost of hiring foreign workers. By adding a $100,000 fee for many petitions, the U.S. government has created new challenges for employers and applicants alike. While the rule is temporary—set for 12 months—it could have long-lasting effects on hiring practices, immigration policy, and the U.S. workforce.
