Introduction:
The H-1B visa, a non-immigrant program for specialty occupations like IT and engineering, has seen its fees dramatically altered by President Donald Trump's September 19, 2025, proclamation, introducing a $100,000 one-time fee for new applications.
Announced amid Trump's "America First" push to curb outsourcing, the change has alarmed Indian IT firms, which secured 71% of 2024 H-1B approvals (e.g., TCS with 5,505, Infosys 2,004).
Old vs. New H1B Visa Fees: Detailed Comparison
Pre-2025 fees, set by USCIS, included a base filing fee plus add-ons for fraud prevention, training, asylum, and public law compliance. The new $100,000 is a one-time employer-paid fee for new outside-U.S. applicants only.
Fee Breakdown Table
| Fee Type | Old Fee (Pre-September 21, 2025) | New Fee (Effective September 21, 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Filing Fee (Form I-129) | $460 | $460 (unchanged for exemptions) | Applies to all petitions; $100,000 added for new outside-U.S. applicants. |
| ACWIA Fee (Training) | $750 (small employers <25 employees) / $1,500 (large) | $750 / $1,500 (unchanged) | Waived for nonprofits; exempt under new rule. |
| Fraud Prevention Fee | $500 | $500 (unchanged) | Every petition; exempt for renewals. |
| Public Law 114-113 Fee | $4,000 (large employers >50 employees, >50% H-1B/L-1) | $4,000 (unchanged) | Exempt for small firms; applies to new petitions. |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 (effective April 1, 2024) | $600 (unchanged) | New since 2024; all petitioners. |
| New H1B Proclamation Fee | N/A | $100,000 (one-time) | Only for new/pending petitions from outside U.S. in 2026 lottery; not annual, not for current/renewals. |
| Total Old (Large Employer) | $5,810 | N/A | For full new petition. |
| Total New (Affected) | N/A | $105,810+ | +$100,000 on top of old fees. |
Exemptions (Per White House Clarification): Current H-1B holders in U.S., renewals/extensions, U.S.-based new petitions, and 2025 lottery participants.
Impacts: On Indian IT and Global Workforce
Indian firms dominate H-1B: 71% approvals in 2024 (e.g., Amazon 10,044, TCS 5,505, Microsoft 5,189).
Historical Context: H-1B Fee Evolutions
H-1B fees originated in 1990 for skilled workers; 2016 hikes added $4,000 Public Law fee.
Statistics: H-1B Approvals and Indian Share
- 2024 Approvals: 1.3 lakh total; 71% Indian (24,766 to Indian firms).
- Top Indian Firms: TCS 5,505, Infosys 2,004, Wipro 1,523.
| Firm | H-1B Approvals (H1 2025) |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 12,000+ |
| Microsoft | 5,000+ |
| Meta | 5,000+ |
| TCS | 5,505 |
Expert Opinions: Disruption or Protectionism?
NASSCOM: "Huge negative impact on IT; 20% hiring cut."
Potential Impacts: Workforce and Economy
Could displace 50,000 Indian workers; U.S. tech faces talent shortage.
Conclusion: H1B Fees Hike Reshapes Immigration
Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee, effective September 21, 2025, exempts current holders but disrupts new applicants, hitting Indian IT hard. With old totals at $5,810 vs new $105,810+, it's a seismic shift. Updates at nuvexic.com.
FAQ
New H1B fee?
$100,000 one-time for new outside-U.S. applicants.
Old total fee?
$2,805-$5,000 including base $460.
Exemptions?
Current holders, renewals, U.S.-based petitions.
Impact on Indians?
71% approvals; 20-30% hiring cut for firms like TCS.
Effective date?
September 21, 2025.
Annual or one-time?
One-time, per White House.
