Trump administration has moved forward with a plan to impose a permanent fee of $103,265 on new H1B worker visas. This proposal comes even after a federal judge ruled the earlier proclamation unlawful in June. The Department of Homeland Security has now opened a 30‑day public comment period, and the rule could be finalized by the end of this year.
The H1B program issues 65,000 visas annually, along with 20,000 more for advanced degree holders. These visas are valid for three to six years. Earlier, fees ranged between $2,000 and $5,000, but the new proposal marks a sharp increase.
Critics, including Democratic‑led states, unions, and business groups, argue that the president cannot override laws or impose such fees without Congress. They say the move will hurt companies that rely on global talent. Supporters of the fee, including Trump and his allies, claim the program is misused to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
Court filings show that about 70 employers had already paid the $100,000 fee on 85 applications before it was blocked. Registrations for H1B visas have also dropped sharply, falling 25% in 2025 to 344,000 compared to 794,000 in 2023.
The administration has also proposed stricter vetting and higher fees for extensions or transfers, aiming to favor highly paid and highly skilled applicants.
