After President Trump’s executive order introducing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions, the White House addressed false claims spreading online and among companies. Many feared the fee would affect current tech workers, but officials said these claims are misleading.
“This isn’t about punishing success stories already here; it’s about ensuring new entries bring real firepower,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Friday (White House Press Office).
The fee applies only to new applications, not to renewals, travel, or employees already in the U.S.
To be clear:
1.) This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.
2.) Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.
H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the…
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) September 20, 2025
One-Time Fee for Future Applicants
The $100,000 fee is a one-time charge for the next H-1B lottery cycle in February 2026. Companies that received visas in 2025, as well as renewals, are not affected.
Immigration lawyers welcomed this clarification: “Clients are relieved—it’s not the apocalypse some headlines screamed,” a New York-based immigration lawyer told Reuters.
Revenue from the fee will help fund STEM programs in the U.S., supporting domestic workforce training.
Industry and Lawmaker Reactions
Tech companies like Google and Meta may adjust hiring, while the US Chamber of Commerce warned the fee could cause talent shortages (Statement, Suzanne Clark, CEO).
Some lawmakers, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), supported similar measures to protect U.S. workers.
The White House reassured that current visa holders are unaffected, but new applicants should be ready for the increased fee.
