In the latest crackdown on immigration to the United States, the Trump Administration in a surprise order imposed an increased fee on some visas kicking off confusion among workers, tech companies and foreign governments, which, in particular, rely on H-1B visa to fill high-skilled jobs.
US President Donald Trump on September 19, 2025 signed a major proclamation in order to reset the H-1B visa programme, mandating the applicants to bear a “one-time” payment of $100,000 as application fee for the new H-1B visa. The order became effective from September 21 midnight. Entry under the program will be restricted unless accompanied by the payment.
Later, officials sought to clear the air over the payment of $100,000 visa fee, which is a one-time charge for fresh H-1B visa applications and existing visa holders, including those stationed abroad wouldn’t be affected.
Before the clarification issued by the White House, the proclamation on the major fee increase on Friday (September 19) stated that the annual visa fee would apply to people seeking a new visa as well as renewals, triggering panic among current H-1B workers.
Hours after United States President Donald Trump signed the proclamation, panic, confusion and turmoil had gripped Indians in the U.S. on H-1B visas, forcing many to cancel travel plans outside of the U.S. and those already in India to travel back.
