H1-B Visa Fee: Who Is Exempt From Trump’s $100K Mandate – Current Holders, Renewals, New Applicants

US President Donald Trump has signed a new order raising the H1-B visa fee to $100,000 a year. The rule has sparked fear among tech workers and companies that depend on foreign talent. But the White House has now clarified who is exempt from the rule and who is not.

The proclamation was signed on Friday. It is set to run for 12 months as a “trial period.” The fee applies only to new applicants in the upcoming lottery cycle. Current visa holders and renewals will not be asked to pay the new fee.

H1-B Visa Fee Exemption Explained

The White House said the mandate will not affect existing H1-B holders. According to officials, workers who already have visas can travel in and out of the US without paying the new fee. Those who are up for renewal are also exempt.

The $100,000 charge applies only to new applicants. That means those joining the lottery in February from outside the US will face the cost. The old fee ranged from $1,000 to $5,000. The jump has been called one of the largest hikes in visa history.

Reports from Reuters and Bloomberg confirm that healthcare workers and first responders may also get exemptions. But no formal list has been issued yet. A final guideline is still pending.

Impact On Workers And Companies

The order has raised alarm in the tech industry. Companies in Silicon Valley and beyond depend heavily on H1-B workers. A fee of $100,000 per employee could force firms to reduce hiring or look for alternatives.

For workers already in the US, the message is clear: they are safe for now. No one needs to rush back into the country before the order takes effect. The White House has confirmed they can continue as before.

The new cost could face legal battles in US courts. Immigration advocates argue it blocks access for skilled talent. Business leaders warn it will hurt the US economy in the long run.

What Happens Next

The proclamation will be reviewed after 12 months. By then, the administration will decide if it stays or ends. If upheld, companies may need to rethink hiring strategies for the next six years of an H1-B worker’s stay.

India and other countries that send large numbers of workers have already raised concerns. They warn of “humanitarian consequences” and loss of opportunity. Global firms are also bracing for the fallout.

The H1-B visa fee rule is now one of the toughest in US immigration history. Exemptions for current holders and renewals bring some relief. But new applicants face an uncertain and costly road ahead.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is exempt from the new H1-B visa fee?

Current H1-B visa holders and those applying for renewals are exempt. They will not pay the $100,000 fee.

Q2: Does the fee apply to new applicants?

Yes. The new fee applies only to new applicants in the February lottery cycle. Current visas are not affected.

Q3: Are healthcare workers exempt?

Reports suggest healthcare staff and first responders may be exempt. But no official list has been published yet.

Q4: Will the fee affect renewals?

No. Renewals are not covered under the proclamation. Workers can continue without paying the new cost.

Q5: How long will the order last?

The order will stay in place for 12 months. A review will follow to decide if it continues.

Sources: Reuters; AP News; Bloomberg; The Guardian; New York Times.