Archive · 21 Sep 2025
US Revises H-1B Fee; Introduces Gold Card Visa
The US government is changing its rules for H-1B visas, which allow skilled foreign workers to work in the US.
A new $100,000 fee will be charged to companies that sponsor new H-1B visa applicants, but not to those renewing existing visas.
Additionally, the government is introducing a 'Gold Card' program.
Individuals can obtain a visa for $1 million and corporations for $2 million.
Indian officials expressed concern.
These changes are aimed at attracting high-earning individuals and generating revenue.
The White House clarified the $100,000 H-1B fee applies only to new applicants.
The fee takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday.
A new Gold Card program will offer expedited visas for wealthy individuals and corporations for $1 million and $2 million, respectively.
India expressed concerns about the fee’s impact on tech workers.
The US approved approximately 400,000 H-1B visas in 2024, two-thirds of which were renewals.
- Who
- White House, US Commerce, tech companies, Indian government
- What
- Changes to H-1B visa program and introduction of the Gold Card
- When
- Announced Friday, effective Sunday
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To generate revenue and potentially reduce replacement of American workers
Pro-American Worker
Pro-Immigrant Worker
Effect of Fee
Pro-American Worker
The fee may discourage companies from replacing American workers.
Pro-Immigrant Worker
The fee could make it difficult for companies to bring in skilled workers.
- H-1B Fee
- $100,000 (one-time, new applicants only)
- H-1B Visa Purpose
- Allows companies to sponsor skilled foreign workers
- Gold Card Cost (Individuals)
- $1 million
- Gold Card Cost (Corporations)
- $2 million per employee
- Gold Card Processing Fee
- $15,000
- Effective Date
- Sunday (12:01 am ET)
Sources
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