H-1B Visa Fee Update 2025: Official USCIS Statement Explained

USCIS has very recently released an official statement on H-1B fees in their newsroom. This contains all the essential information you need to know about the recently imposed H-1B visa fee. We have seen much chaos and confusion rising around the H-1B fees. And, many questions are populating the web and elsewhere about the fee system. As one of the leading EB-1A experts, we are always staying updated on all the transformations happening in the immigration landscape. And, here is our take on all the frequently asked questions about the recently imposed H-1B fee.

Authentic information about the H-1B visa fee as released by the USCIS

Whom does the fee apply to?

According to the USCIS, the new policy requires a $100,000 payment for any H-1B petitions submitted after 12:00 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept 21, 2025. Hence, the fee will automatically apply to the 2026 H-1B lottery. It will also equally apply to all H-1B petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept. 21,2025.

Will the proclamation cause travel restrictions for the current visa holder?

According to the guidance issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, current visa holders will not face travel restriction to or from the United State. However, it will apply to all the new petitioners and they will be likewise barred from entering the United States if their petition is not accompanied by the ordained fee.

Does the fee apply to H-1B renewal as well?

It has been clearly stated in the USCIS newsroom that this fee will not apply to any case of H-1B renewal. The fee is instead a one-time fee on submission on a new H-1B petition.

Will there be any future revision to the H-1B visa program?

The Department of Labor is currently in the process of a rulemaking to revise and raise the prevailing wage levels to make the H-1B program more premium. They are reforming the rule so that the visa is used to hire only the best of the best, the cream of the cream temporary foreign workers.

In this context, it is essential to remember that the H-1B reform has started to ‘curb abuses and protect American workers’, as made clear by the USCIS newsroom. To quote the USCIS memorandum: ‘On September 19, 2025, the President issued a Proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, to address systemic abuse of H-1B nonimmigrant visas.’

Will the H-1B lottery system be revoked?

The H-1B lottery system will not be completely revoked. However, the program will clearly favour ‘high-skilled, high-paid immigrants over those at lower wage levels.’

The recently imposed H-1B fee has so far been the latest revision on this program. Though many speculations are circulating around the fee system, the recently released statement by USCIS newsroom has straightened most of the confusion.

As H-1B becomes more precarious by the day, our EB-1A consultants are actively encouraging the industry-experts to explore the employment-based visa categories. If you are an aspirant of the U.S. permanent residency, our guided mentorship could be just what you need to fast track your chance.