The White House released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Sunday, September 21st, reiterating that H-1B visa applications, including renewals, do not require a $100,000 fee.
Last Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation titled “Restricting Certain Nonimmigrant Workers Entry,” aiming to reform the H-1B visa program to curb abuse of authority and protect American workers. This proclamation was described as an important, preliminary, and progressive step by the White House.
According to the announcement, any new H-1B visa applications submitted after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 21, 2025, would require a payment of $100,000. This includes lottery applications for 2026 and any other H-1B applications submitted after the aforementioned deadline.
The lack of clear distinction between existing visa holders and future applicants in the proclamation has caused confusion among the public. Some organizations, including companies and schools, mistakenly believed that the $100,000 fee applied to all H-1B holders for renewals and transfers, prompting overseas H-1B holders to rush back to the U.S. before the deadline.
In less than 24 hours, flights from China and India to the U.S. were fully booked, with ticket prices doubling or even tripling. Within the U.S., some H-1B holders urgently canceled their travel plans and chose to stay put.
On Saturday, the White House clarified key details of the new H-1B fee through an official account, stating that the fee does not apply to anyone holding a valid H-1B visa. It only applies to future applicants who are currently outside the U.S. and preparing to participate in the February 2026 lottery, and it does not impact existing H-1B visa holders traveling to the U.S.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by this issue, the business community, academic institutions, and individuals involved are still looking to the White House for a definitive explanation of the policy.
On Sunday, the White House reiterated which H-1B applicants would not be required to pay the $100,000 application fee.
The White House stated, “Firstly, it does not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas or any applications submitted before 12:01 a.m. on September 21, 2025.
“Secondly, it will not alter any payments or fees related to H-1B renewals. The $100,000 fee is a one-time payment when submitting a new H-1B application.
“Thirdly, it does not affect the entry and exit of any existing H-1B visa holders in the U.S.”
U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have already implemented the new H-1B guidelines.
According to a memorandum released by Joseph B. Edlow, the director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday, the new H-1B announcement only applies to applications that have not been submitted yet.
The memorandum specifies that the proclamation does not apply to the following individuals: beneficiaries of applications submitted before the effective date of the announcement, beneficiaries with approved applications, or holders of valid H-1B nonimmigrant visas.
Homeland Security reiterated that the announcement does not affect the travel of any existing visa holders to and from the U.S.
The USCIS will enforce these guidelines.
The State Department has also issued guidelines to all consulates consistent with those of the USCIS and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The White House indicated that further reforms to the H-1B program will be implemented according to the proclamation:
Firstly, the Department of Labor will establish rules to revise and raise the current wage levels to enhance the skill level of the H-1B program and ensure it is used to hire the best temporary foreign workers.
Secondly, the Department of Homeland Security will establish rules to prioritize high-skilled and high-income foreigners in the H-1B lottery, rather than those with lower incomes.
Other reform measures are also under consideration and will be announced in the coming months.