Trump administration plans $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike: current costs and lottery system explained

President Donald Trump plans to introduce a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, Bloomberg News reported Friday, September 19, citing a White House official familiar with the matter. The proposed H-1B visa fee hike represents part of the Trump administration's efforts to curb program overuse.

The President is expected to sign a proclamation implementing the H-1B fee increase Friday. The Trump administration believes the new H-1B visa costs will prevent pathway abuse, according to the Bloomberg source.

Indians constitute nearly 70 per cent of H-1B visas issued, according to 2024 USCIS data. The proposed H-1B fee structure specifically targets this demographic through the substantial cost increase.


Also read: Trump to impose new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas in sweeping overhaul: Report

The Trump administration reportedly wants to restrict H-1B program entry unless applicants provide the $100,000 payment. The H-1B visa fee policy aims to reduce overall program participation through financial barriers.

Current H-1B visa fees and lottery system structure

The existing H-1B visa system requires payments for different process components. Applicants must pay $215 to register for the H-1B lottery system before potential selection.

Selected applicants trigger employer obligations for additional H-1B visa fees. Employers must pay $780 to file Form I-129, the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, following lottery selection.

Boundless, a US immigration services provider, states "Beyond Form I-129, the how much it costs to get an H-1B visa can vary depending on the company's size, the cost to expedite the application, whether or not the H-1B applicant is changing employers and attorney fees."

Additional H-1B processing costs and integrity fees

The US introduced a $250 visa integrity fee alongside standard visa and fraud prevention fees plus petition filing charges. This H-1B visa cost cannot be waived and receives reimbursement only under specific conditions following visa expiration.

The integrity fee adds to existing H-1B visa fees, creating additional financial burden for applicants and employers participating in the program.

Prevailing wage revisions planned for H-1B program

Beyond H-1B visa fee increases, Trump plans to order Labor Secretary rulemaking to revise prevailing-wage levels for the program. The wage revision initiative aims to limit visa usage that undercuts American worker compensation.

Also read: US corporate immigration strained by policy hurdles and enforcement pressures

The combined H-1B fee hike and wage adjustments represent comprehensive program restrictions intended to protect domestic employment opportunities, Bloomberg News reported.

The proposed H-1B visa changes reflect broader immigration policy shifts targeting skilled worker programs and their economic impacts on American workers.