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Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) located in Ellabell, Savannah, Georgia, U.S. (Photo = Hyundai Motor Company) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Washington, D.C., September 20, 2025 — The White House confirmed that the Trump administration’s plan to raise H-1B visa application fees to $100,000 per applicant will apply only to new petitions, not to existing visa holders or renewals.
Caroline Levitt, White House Press Secretary, clarified the measure via social media, stating:
“This is a one-time application fee, not an annual charge.”
“Existing H-1B visa holders currently abroad will not be subject to the $100,000 fee upon reentry into the United States.”
“The new rule applies exclusively to new applications and does not affect renewals.”
On September 19, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation increasing the H-1B visa fee from $1,000 to $100,000. The new fee will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 21.
Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnick initially suggested at the signing ceremony that the fee would be levied annually over the six-year H-1B period. The White House later corrected this, noting the fee is a single upfront cost, in an attempt to ease confusion among employers and workers.
Industry Reaction
Following the announcement, U.S. tech companies such as Microsoft urged their overseas H-1B employees to return to the U.S. immediately, anticipating stricter rules. The clarification is expected to alleviate some of this concern, but industry leaders remain worried about the long-term impact on talent acquisition.
Background on H-1B
The H-1B visa program, capped at 85,000 issuances annually, allows U.S. companies to employ highly skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It permits an initial three-year stay, with extensions available and a path toward permanent residency.
Supporters of the fee increase, particularly within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) base, argue that foreign workers undercut American jobs. Opponents counter that H-1B visas are essential for maintaining U.S. leadership in innovation and global competitiveness.
The White House reiterated the importance of the new policy, circulating a fact sheet highlighting the need for stricter visa cost controls and protections for the domestic workforce.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
