H1B Fee Hike: What It Means for Existing Visa Holders and Upcoming Renewals
- Shan Potts
- Sep 22, 2025
- 2 min read
On September 19, 2025, the U.S. administration announced a sweeping immigration change: a $100,000 filing fee for all new H1B petitions submitted after September 21, 2025. The policy was justified as a way to discourage “misuse” of the program and to encourage companies to prioritize U.S. workers. For employers and foreign professionals, however, this H1B fee hike represents a seismic shift in how accessible the program will be going forward.
Does the H1B Fee Hike Affect Existing Visa Holders?
The biggest question on the minds of current visa holders is simple: Will this cost apply to me? The U.S. government has clarified that the answer is no.
If you already have a valid H1B visa, the new fee requirement will not retroactively apply to your petition. This means:
You can continue to work in the U.S. under your current approval.
Travel and re-entry using your valid visa remain unaffected.
Your employer is not required to pay an additional $100,000 just to keep you in status.
In other words, for those already inside the U.S. on H1B status, the H1B fee hike does not bring immediate financial or legal disruption.
Renewals and Extensions Under the H1B Fee Hike
The next area of concern is renewals and extensions. Many professionals are approaching the end of their three-year period or preparing for employer transfers. Here’s the good news:
Renewals and extensions of existing visas are exempt. The fee does not apply to petitions that simply extend current status.
Employer transfers within the U.S. are also not subject to the new $100,000 petition fee, as long as the worker already holds valid H1B status.
This clarification provides some relief. However, individuals whose employers allow their status to lapse—or those currently abroad and reapplying—may find themselves subject to the new costs.
What Employers and Workers Should Expect Next
While the H1B fee hike spares current holders and near-term renewals, it introduces new uncertainty:
Hiring strategies may shift. Employers may become more reluctant to sponsor fresh H1B workers, especially startups or smaller firms that cannot absorb such costs.
International competition may rise. Skilled workers who might have sought U.S. opportunities could turn to Canada, the UK, or other destinations with friendlier policies.
Policy litigation is likely. Business groups and immigrant advocacy organizations are already preparing to challenge the H1B fee hike in court.
Conclusion
For existing visa holders and those preparing renewals, the H1B fee hike does not create immediate financial burdens. The real impact falls on future applicants, whose prospects of entering the U.S. workforce may now be tied to an unprecedented $100,000 barrier. Still, everyone connected to the H1B system—workers, employers, and dependents—should stay vigilant, as further changes to the program are already under discussion.
Comments