By News18,Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Copyright news18

United States President Donald Trump’s proclamation signed on Saturday, imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, came into effect on Sunday (September 21). The rule has triggered concern in the tech sector, particularly among Indian professionals who make up a significant share of America’s high-skilled workforce.
The H-1B visa programme allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised fields where domestic talent is limited. Under the new mandate, employers will now have to pay $100,000 for each H-1B worker, a move that industry leaders warn could disrupt the technology sector, which relies heavily on skilled talent from India, China, South Korea and other countries.
Following media reports of the new rule, Indian tech workers in the US were reportedly seen abandoning flights or returning to India ahead of schedule. Some shared pictures showing Indian professionals deboarding planes or waiting in long lines at major American airports, reflecting the uncertainty and concern caused by the new H-1B fee.
Each year, the United States issues approximately 85,000 new H-1B visas under the regular and advanced-degree lottery combined, with the majority of recipients coming from India, followed by China, South Korea, and other nations. These highly skilled professionals primarily work in technology, healthcare, research, and other specialised sectors, forming a critical part of the American workforce.

To be clear:
1.) This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.
2.) Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.
H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the…
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) September 20, 2025

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, sought to assuage concerns caused by the announcement of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee. In a late Saturday night tweet, Leavitt said that the fee is a one-time charge for new visa petitions, does not apply to current visa holders or renewals, and will first take effect in the upcoming H-1B lottery cycle, adding that travel and re-entry rights for existing visa holders remain unchanged.
Here’s what tech workers and companies need to know about the $100,000 H-1B visa rule and its immediate impact:

One-Time Fee, Not Annual: According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the $100,000 fee announced by President Trump is a one-time charge that applies only to new H-1B visa petitions and is not recurring every year.
Existing Visa Holders Unaffected: Karoline Leavitt clarified that individuals who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside the United States will not be required to pay the $100,000 fee to re-enter the country, meaning the rule does not affect those already on the program.
Travel Rights Remain Intact: Leavitt also emphasized that H-1B visa holders retain their usual ability to leave and re-enter the US, and yesterday’s proclamation does not limit or change the normal travel privileges.
Only New Visas Are Subject: Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the new fee applies exclusively to fresh H-1B visas, ensuring that current visa holders or those renewing existing visas remain unaffected.
Implementation From Next Lottery Cycle: Leavitt confirmed that the $100,000 fee will first take effect starting with the next H-1B lottery cycle.