US imposes US$100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions

A presidential proclamation that took effect on 21 September 2025 introduced a one-time US$100,000 fee on most new H-1B petitions for workers based outside the US — up from prior costs of roughly US$2,000 to US$5,000. The administration framed it as a way to curb perceived abuse of the skilled-worker program, while existing visa holders, prior petitions and renewals were left untouched. The measure triggered immediate confusion and a wave of legal challenges from employers and universities.