White House Debunks Fake News Around H1-B Visa Fee Proclamation

The White House has rejected false claims about President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa fee rule. On Saturday, the administration said the $100,000 fee mandate applies only to new applicants. It also clarified that current H-1B holders will not be affected. The statement came after widespread confusion and panic following Trump’s proclamation.

According to the official Rapid Response account and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, much of the reporting was wrong. They stressed that visa holders can travel as before. They will not be charged new fees when re-entering the United States.

White House Clarifies Scope of H1-B Visa Fee Hike

The Trump administration announced the new rule on Friday. Companies must now pay $100,000 to sponsor a new H-1B applicant. This is part of Trump’s push to curb immigration and create jobs for Americans.

But news spread quickly that the fee might apply to current visa holders. Some reports even suggested it would impact re-entry to the U.S. The White House has now made clear that this is not the case.

Leavitt explained that the fee is a one-time charge. It is tied only to the initial petition. It is not annual, nor does it apply to renewals. Current visa holders outside the U.S. can still travel back without the new charge.

This means that the first impact will be seen in the next lottery cycle. Only new H-1B petitions will be subject to the rule. Existing visa holders remain unaffected. According to Reuters, the administration wants to stop rumors and keep the process clear for applicants.

What the Proclamation Really Means for Applicants

The new $100,000 fee marks one of the highest ever set for H-1B sponsorship. It could make it harder for smaller firms to hire foreign workers. Larger corporations may still manage, but the barrier for startups will grow.

The administration says the goal is to protect U.S. jobs. By raising costs, it hopes companies hire more Americans. However, critics warn this could hurt the tech sector, where H-1B workers fill crucial roles.

For current visa holders, life continues as normal. Their travel rights remain unchanged. Their ability to re-enter the U.S. is not tied to the new fee. This assurance was repeated by both the Rapid Response account and the Press Secretary.

The White House debunks fake news around the H1-B visa fee proclamation. The clarification makes clear the mandate is limited to new petitions only.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Does the $100,000 H-1B visa fee apply to current visa holders?

No. The White House said the fee is only for new applicants. Current visa holders are not affected.

Q2: Is the fee an annual charge?

No. It is a one-time payment tied to the petition. It does not repeat each year.

Q3: Can H-1B holders still travel outside and re-enter the U.S.?

Yes. The White House confirmed travel rights remain unchanged. No extra fee will be charged on re-entry.

Q4: When will the new mandate take effect?

The rule will apply from the next lottery cycle. It will not impact ongoing petitions or existing visas.

Q5: Why did the White House issue a clarification?

To stop fake news and rumors spreading online. Officials wanted to reassure visa holders and applicants.