Who is required to pay the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee?

The mandatory $100,000 fee applies to all new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. It is a prerequisite for entering the H-1B lottery for the 2026 fiscal year. However, this fee does not apply to extensions of existing visas or to applications that were filed before the deadline.

How has the H-1B selection process changed under the new 2025 regulations?

The selection process has shifted from a random lottery to a "survival of the richest" model. Future lotteries will prioritize applicants based on their offered wages, selecting the highest-paid individuals first. This change effectively eliminates entry-level roles for foreign talent in favor of high-salary positions.

Do current H-1B visa holders need to pay the fee to travel or stay in the US?

No. Although there was initial confusion, the White House clarified that current H-1B visa holders can enter and exit the country freely. The new $100,000 fee applies only to new filings, not to those currently holding valid visas or seeking extensions.

Is there an alternative to the H-1B visa mentioned in the new policy?

Yes, the Trump administration introduced a "Golden Card" program alongside the restrictions. This program offers immediate residency to individuals willing to pay a $1 million investment, signaling a shift toward welcoming wealthy immigrants while restricting standard foreign workers.

Why was this specific fee and policy introduced?

According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the policy is designed to prioritize American workers. The $100,000 fee is intended to make hiring foreign talent prohibitively expensive unless absolutely necessary, forcing companies to choose between paying the government a high fee or hiring an American worker instead.

H-1B Visa in USA 2025: New $100,000 Fee and Trump Changes — How to Get a Work Visa Now

Immigration Visa

Alex Drill

Author

November 28, 2025

Detailed breakdown of the dramatic H-1B visa reforms in 2025, including the proposed $100,000 filing fee, stricter requirements under Trump administration, lottery changes, and step-by-step guide on how specialists (especially IT) can still apply successfully before full implementation.

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References and sources used in this article.

USCIS websitehttps://www.uscis.gov/

H-1B Visa in USA 2025: New $100,000 Fee and Trump Changes — How to Get a Work Visa Now

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