(C) Common Dreams This story was originally published by Common Dreams and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Update: H-1B Visa Fee Increase [1] [] Date: 2026-02 President Trump signed a proclamation on September 19 requiring employers to pay $100,000 to sponsor new H-1B petitions and creating restrictions on the entry of H-1B workers into the United States. On October 20, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) provided additional guidance on the fee. Here is an overview of the new guidance. Who is subject to the $100,000 fee? People with H-1B petitions filed on their behalf on or after September 21, 2025, AND The worker is outside the U.S. when the petition is filed and does not already hold a valid H-1B visa stamp, OR The petition requests consular processing, OR The petition requests an amendment, change of status, or extension of stay, and USCIS finds the worker ineligible. Exceptions The Department of Homeland Security may grant an exception to the fee only in “extraordinarily rare” circumstances. Employers seeking an exception must submit a detailed justification and supporting evidence. Individual beneficiaries (workers) may not request an exception. Who is NOT subject to the fee? All H-1B workers who hold a valid H-1B visa stamp issued before September 21. People with H-1B petitions filed on their behalf before September 21. H-1B workers who are approved within the U.S., and later depart to apply for an H-1B visa stamp and/or to reenter the U.S. in H-1B status. People in the U.S. with H-1B petitions that are approved for the following actions: amendment, change of status, or extension of stay. F-1 students and others who switch to H-1B status within the U.S. are not subject to the fee. Change of employer petitions are not subject to the fee. Travel for H-1B Visa Holders If an H-1B request has been or will be submitted on your behalf in the near future, be aware that traveling internationally during the H-1B filing process may subject you to the fee. Consequently, we recommend exercising caution: Do not travel outside the United States until the petition is approved. Review the Current Travel Advisory for more information. Contact us as soon as possible if you have international travel plans and a petition pending. More to Come The proclamation is expected to face legal and regulatory challenges. International Services is monitoring the situation closely and communicating directly with Cornell’s H-1B visa holders about any updates and immediate impacts. Please reach out if you have questions. Stay informed by checking International Services alerts for the most up-to-date guidance. Additional useful information can be found on the Executive Orders site (NetID login required). Subscribe to receive important updates and our monthly newsletter by email. (International students are automatically subscribed.) [END] --- [1] Url: https://international.globallearning.cornell.edu/alerts/update-h-1b-visa-fee-increase Published and (C) by Common Dreams Content appears here under this condition or license: Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0.. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/commondreams/