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U.S. President Donald Trump. (Photo=Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] WASHINGTON, September 20, 2025 — The White House has confirmed that the recent increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000 will only apply to new visa petitions, not to holders renewing visas or those already holding an H-1B visa.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that this is a one-time fee when applying for a new H-1B visa petition, not a recurring annual cost.
The fee does not apply to those who currently hold H-1B visas, even if they are temporarily outside the U.S.; nor to renewals of existing visas.
The policy was announced by President Donald Trump on September 19, set to take effect September 21, 2025.
There was initial confusion, especially after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick implied the fee might be annual, which the White House later clarified.
The H-1B visa is used for specialized occupations (often in STEM fields), allowing foreign professionals to work in the U.S. initially for up to three years, with possible extensions. There is an annual cap on new H-1B issuance.
Major technology companies expressed concern about the rapid rollout and the ambiguity around how it would affect current H-1B holders, leading some to advise foreign staff to return to the U.S. to avoid complications.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
