H-1B visa to cost up to $100,000: what this means and who will be affected
Только самое полезное
Starting in 2025, an H-1B visa application may cost $100,000. We examine who will be affected, the reasons for the changes, the possible consequences, and what employers and applicants should do.
In September 2025, the immigration world was rocked by the news that the H-1B visa—one of the main channels for labor immigration to the United States—could cost employers $100,000 per applicant. This drastic change in the rules caused a wave of concern among IT companies, startups, and foreign specialists. In this article, we will examine what exactly happened, who will be affected by the new fee, and how to respond to the changes.
What happened
On September 19, 2025, the US administration announced a new initiative to introduce a $100,000 fee for filing an H-1B visa petition. This decision is presented as part of a strategy to protect the American labor market and encourage local hiring. The measure is expected to affect large technology companies and outsourcing firms that actively recruit foreign workers.
What is H-1B?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows US employers to hire foreign specialists in high technology, medicine, finance, and other industries. Each year, the US government allocates 85,000 such visas, including 20,000 for holders of master's degrees and above.
Who will have to pay $100,000?
At this point, it is clear that the new fee will apply to new H-1B visa applications. The question remains open regarding:
There is also no clear answer as to whether the fee will be the same for all companies or whether there will be exceptions for small businesses.
- extensions of existing visas;
- changes of employer within the US;
- applications from non-profit organizations or universities.
There is also no clear answer as to whether the fee will be the same for all companies or whether there will be exceptions for small businesses.
Motivation and consequences
The government claims that high fees will help reduce abuse of the system and encourage the hiring of US citizens. However, critics call the initiative a “tax on innovation” that could:
- cause a brain drain from the US;
- complicate the process of hiring qualified employees;
- increase costs for startups and technology companies.
How businesses and job seekers should respond to change
If you are an employer:
If you are an applicant:
- Plan your budget in advance, taking into account the potential increase in the cost of filing an H-1B;
- Consider alternative visa categories (e.g., L-1, O-1, TN);
- Prepare for a possible rush of applications before the new rules take effect.
If you are an applicant:
- Contact your employer to clarify their plans;
- Explore options for obtaining a visa through other categories or other countries (e.g., Canada, United Kingdom);
- Consider pursuing a degree in the United States to increase your chances of obtaining a visa under the master's quota.
Conclusion: the rising cost of H-1B visas and the need to rethink strategies
The increase in the cost of an H-1B visa to $100,000 is an alarming signal for the entire labor migration industry. This measure may still be challenged or adjusted, but it is necessary to prepare for changes now. Employers and job seekers should closely monitor developments and adapt their strategies.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!