• New H-1B Visa Fee: A new $100,000 fee has been introduced for H-1B visas, effective September 22, 2025, for one year, applying only to new applicants, not current visa holders or renewals.
• Clarification and Confusion: The White House clarified the fee’s scope, but inconsistencies arose regarding whether it is a one-time or annual cost, and if it might eventually apply to renewals.
• Criticism and Concerns: Immigration attorneys and the Indian government expressed concerns about the fee’s potential for disruption and its impact on skilled workers and American businesses, while some critics of H-1B visas supported the move.
• Additional Visa Programs: The administration also introduced a $1 million “gold card” visa and a $5 million “Trump Platinum Card” for wealthy individuals seeking entry or extended stays in the U.S.

The administration has clarified details regarding a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. Initially, there was some confusion among current visa holders, but the White House has stated that this fee applies only to new applicants and not to current visa holders or renewals. This measure took effect on September 22, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET and is scheduled to last for one year, with potential for extension.

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing this fee, intended for high-skilled jobs that technology companies reportedly find challenging to fill. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the fee does not impact the ability of current visa holders to travel to or from the U.S. However, immigration attorneys have expressed concerns, suggesting the move could disrupt skilled workers’ lives and have broader implications for American businesses. Kathleen Campbell Walker, an immigration attorney, noted the rapid implementation of the change.

Further details regarding the fee have also generated some inconsistency. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick initially described it as an annual cost for companies, while a White House official later clarified it as a “one-time fee.” The official also mentioned that while the fee currently does not apply to renewals, this policy is under discussion. India’s government has expressed concern about the potential impact of these increased fees on tech workers from India and other countries.

The administration also introduced a $1 million “gold card” visa for wealthy individuals seeking longer stays and a $5 million “Trump Platinum Card” for extended stays without US tax on non-US income, which requires congressional approval. Critics of H-1B visas view the new fee as a positive step, arguing that the program can undercut American workers. However, the US Chamber of Commerce expressed concern about the impact on employees, their families, and American employers. Lutnick suggested the fee might reduce the number of H-1B visas issued, potentially encouraging the training of American workers. Historically, H-1B visas have been distributed by lottery, with Amazon, Tata Consultancy, Microsoft, Apple, and Google among the top recipients.

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