Washington DC: In a recent update, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that H-1B visa holders will be exempt from a controversial $100,000 fee imposed by the Trump administration when applying for status changes or extending their stay. This new clarification comes as part of a broader set of guidelines issued on Monday, which aim to clarify the nuances of an order that originally stirred confusion among visa holders and potential applicants.
The fee, which was part of an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on September 19, 2020, had outlined an increase in charges for H-1B visa applications. Under the previous rule, applicants seeking to enter the U.S. under the H-1B program would face the hefty $100,000 charge. However, the new guidelines specify that the fee will not apply to individuals already holding H-1B visas or to those applying for status changes or extensions of their current visa status.
“This updated guidance ensures that individuals wishing to extend their stay or change their status under the H-1B program will not be subject to the additional $100,000 fee,” USCIS explained in its statement. The exemption aims to prevent unnecessary financial burdens on workers who are already in the U.S. on valid visas and wish to maintain their status without being affected by the new fee structure.
Additionally, USCIS made it clear that the changes will not impact individuals whose visas were issued before 12:01 a.m. on September 21, 2025, nor will it restrict their ability to travel. The guidelines also confirm that the fee increase will not apply to any applications submitted before that date, providing some relief for those who had already initiated their application processes under previous rules.
As for future applicants, the USCIS has specified that this exemption will not apply to applications filed on or after September 21, 2025, unless the applicant is seeking a status change or extension. The administration’s move reflects ongoing efforts to fine-tune immigration policies and address concerns over worker mobility and foreign talent retention in the U.S.
This update provides clarity for the thousands of H-1B visa holders and their employers, who rely on these programs for highly skilled workers, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering.
