Sun Sep 21 03:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**White House Clarifies Controversial H-1B Visa Fee: $100,000 Charge Applies Only to New Applicants**

**Washington D.C.** – The White House has issued a clarification regarding the new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas for skilled workers, stating that the charge will apply per petition for *new* applicants only. The move comes after initial confusion sparked by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who incorrectly stated the fee would be annual and apply to both new and renewing visa holders.

The clarification, issued by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, aims to quell widespread anxiety among H-1B holders and the tech industry. Leavitt emphasized that the fee is a “one-time” charge and “does not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to/from the US.”

The executive order, signed by President Trump on Friday night and effective Sunday, is set to expire after a year, with the possibility of extension. H-1B visas allow companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialized skills, particularly in the tech sector, for initially three years, extendable to six.

The initial announcement prompted panic, with major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet (Google) reportedly advising employees to remain in the U.S. or return quickly. Reports emerged of H-1B holders rushing back to the U.S., even deplaning flights, fearing the new fee.

The situation has drawn criticism from various sources. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated they are studying the plan, expressing concern about potential humanitarian consequences for families. The US Chamber of Commerce also voiced concern about the impact on employees, families, and American employers.

Immigration lawyer Allen Orr described the order as causing “mass confusion,” leading to delayed start dates and financial losses due to cancelled travel and housing arrangements. Orr warned that the fee could drive talent overseas, ultimately hurting the U.S.’s competitive edge.

The H-1B visa program has long been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it undercuts American workers by allowing companies to hire foreign workers at lower wages. The White House maintains that the new fee aims to protect American jobs.

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