Archive · 27 Jan 2026
F-1 Students Exempt from $100,000 H-1B Fee
There's a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, but it doesn't apply to students on F-1 visas who are switching to H-1B.
An immigration lawyer says it's important for students and employers to talk about this early.
If they wait too long, employers might think the process is too expensive or complicated.
Students who are on F-1 visas are already allowed to work and are often easier for companies to hire.
The lawyer advises starting these conversations now to make sure everything goes smoothly.
F-1 students transitioning to H-1B are exempt from the new $100,000 fee.
Employers and students should discuss H-1B sponsorship early to avoid misinformation.
F-1 students are often lower-risk and cheaper hires for employers.
Options like cap-gap extensions and STEM OPT can provide flexibility for employers.
Early discussions can clarify real costs, timelines, and lottery odds for H-1B sponsorship.
- Who
- F-1 students and their employers in the US.
- What
- Clarification on the $100,000 H-1B fee exemption for F-1 students.
- When
- As spring graduation season approaches.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- To avoid delays and misinformation in H-1B sponsorship decisions.
- Fee Exemption
- F-1 students transitioning to H-1B are exempt from the $100,000 fee.
- Timing Advice
- Students and employers should discuss H-1B sponsorship early to avoid misinformation.
- H-1B Lottery
- Annual lottery process for H-1B visas.
- OPT and STEM OPT
- Options for extending work authorization for F-1 students.
- Employer Benefits
- F-1 students are often lower-risk and cheaper hires for employers.