Archive · 1 Oct 2025
US Plans H-1B Visa Process Changes, Fee Increase
The U.S. government is planning changes to the H-1B visa program.
A new rule will require companies to pay a one-time fee of $100,000 for new H-1B visas.
This fee takes effect in 2026.
The goal is to prevent misuse of the visa program, especially the hiring of inexpensive tech consultants.
Government officials are discussing further changes, including how the lottery for these visas works.
Project Firewall is being launched to ensure U.S. workers get priority.
The U.S. will implement significant changes to the H-1B visa process.
A one-time fee of $100,000 will be required for new petitions.
The changes, including the fee, will be in effect by February 2026.
The government aims to reduce the number of inexpensive tech consultants.
Project Firewall will enforce H-1B program compliance.
- Who
- U.S. Department of Labour, Howard Lutnick
- What
- Changes to the H-1B visa process, including a fee
- When
- Changes effective by February 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address visa abuse and protect American workers.
Proponents of Reform
Industry & Visa Holders
Impact of Fees
Proponents of Reform
Fees help ensure fairness and high-skilled workers.
Industry & Visa Holders
Fees may pose hurdles and limit the hiring of talent.
Tech Consultants
Proponents of Reform
Inexpensive consultants should be reduced or eliminated
Industry & Visa Holders
Tech consultants contribute to innovation.
- New Fee
- $100,000 one-time for new H-1B petitions
- Fee Effective Date
- February 2026
- Government Official
- Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick
- Focus
- Changes to the H-1B visa process
- Key Goal
- Reduce inexpensive tech consultant visas
Sources
How Trump’s Project Firewall will impact H-1B – From visas to deportations
Team Trump Signals "Significant" Changes In H-1B Visa Allotment Before 2026
Why AI is the real litmus test for US-India technology partnership
H 1B, L 1 Visa Reform Act reintroduced in US Senate: How will new bill impact hiring by big Tech firms
'Will price out techies': New US visa bill could gut Indian access to H‑1B, L‑1 jobs