H-1B Visa Holders Face No New Travel Limits: US Clarifies

The White House has clarified that the recently announced $100,000 fee for H‑1B visas will apply only to new petitions filed from outside the United States and will not impact existing visa holders or renewals. The announcement aims to ease concerns among foreign professionals and U.S. employers following the fee’s introduction as part of a broader H‑1B visa overhaul.

Under the new rules, the fee is a one-time payment per petition, intended to cover administrative costs and ensure the program prioritizes high-skilled workers. Current H‑1B visa holders, as well as those seeking extensions, changes of status, or renewals within the U.S., are exempt from this fee.

The clarification provides relief for Indian IT professionals and other foreign workers who already hold H‑1B status, removing uncertainty about travel, renewals, and continued employment in the United States.

However, companies filing new H‑1B petitions for beneficiaries outside the U.S. will need to account for the significant $100,000 cost per petition, which may impact hiring strategies, particularly for startups and smaller firms.

The administration also emphasized that the fee will not affect existing workers already in the U.S., nor does it retroactively apply to petitions filed before the new rules took effect. Legal experts note that this measure could still face scrutiny in courts, but for now, it establishes a clear distinction between new applicants and current visa holders.

Employers and prospective H‑1B applicants are advised to review the official US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance to ensure compliance with the updated fee structure.