September 20, 2025

The United States government has dropped a bombshell on the H-1B visa program starting 21 September 2025. In a bold presidential proclamation, employers hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas from outside the US must now cough up a hefty $100,000 fee per petition. Why this sharp increase? Officials say it’s to fight back against “large-scale abuse” where American workers, especially in the IT sector, get pushed aside for cheaper foreign labor. This new rule will be in place for a full 12 months and could be extended after a review. The US aims to keep the door open for "top talent" but slam the brakes on companies misusing the system to underpay workers. Here’s the scoop on what’s new: 1. Employers outside the US must pay $100,000 for each H-1B visa petition. 2. The rule lasts 12 months from 21 September 2025, with possible renewal. 3. Some workers are exempt if the Secretary of Homeland Security agrees hiring them is good for the nation and safe. 4. It does NOT affect H-1B workers already inside the US—only new foreign entries. 5. Employers need to keep proof of the $100,000 fee before filing petitions. 6. The Secretary of State will check the payment during visa processing. 7. Companies cannot misuse B visas as a workaround for waiting H-1B workers. 8. IT outsourcing firms, known heavy users of H-1B visas, will be under stricter watch. 9. Wage levels will go up to prevent companies from lowballing wages. 10. Immigration officials will now prioritize highly skilled, well-paid workers over entry-level ones. 11. No payment means no visa approval and entry denial. 12. Federal agencies must recommend to the President within 30 days post next H-1B lottery whether to continue or drop the rule. What does this mean for workers and companies? It’s a game-changer! Employers must rethink how they hire foreign tech talent. For American techies, it’s a welcome guard against job sniffing by cheaper foreign hires. But foreign hopefuls will have to prove their high skill and value or be left out. In the words of the proclamation, this move protects “American workers” while keeping the US attractive "to top foreign professionals." The clock ticks from September 2025—are you ready for the massive shake-up in the H-1B world?

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Tags: H-1b visa, Us immigration, Tech jobs, Visa fee, Trump administration, Work visa rules,