USCIS Clarifies H-1B Fee Exemptions Bringing Major Relief to the Applicants

Irving, Texas, 22/10/2025:

In an update on 20/10/2025, USCIS has put into perspective everything you want to know about the hefty H-1B fee, including exemptions and special circumstances. The agency has stated that the proclamation (Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers) applies to new H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025, on behalf of beneficiaries who lack a current H-1B visa and are outside the United States. The proclamation will not apply to the current H-1B visa holders or to any petitions submitted prior to the designated time.

The relief is also felt in the statement that the proclamation does not prevent any current holder of H-1B, or any approved petitioner, from traveling in and out of the United States. Moreover, the fee will not be imposed in case of amendment, change of status, or extension of stay for immigrants staying within the United States. This conveys major relief as the announcement implies that F-1 visa holders applying for a change of status to an H-1B visa won’t be subject to the payment.

The USCIS has also added a dedicated payment portal where the $100,000 payment could be submitted. The agency has also specifically asked to complete the payment before filing a petition, as a copy of the proof of payment will be required during the petition. USCIS has also named yet another exemption from the fee, where the exception is directly granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

As a leading EB-1A green card consultancy, GCEB1 is cautiously and continuously following all the major updates issued in the U.S. immigration landscape. Stay tuned to our press release page for more updates.