Archive · 2 Nov 2025
F-1 Students Can Skip $100K H-1B Fee With Condition on Status Change
Imagine you are a student from another country studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.
Usually, if a company wants to hire you for a special job after you finish studying, they have to pay a very large fee, like $100,000, to get you a work visa called an H-1B.
But now, there's a new rule.
If the company asks to change your visa status, or extend it, *before* a certain date (September 21, 2025), and if everything is approved, they might not have to pay that huge fee.
It's like getting a special pass!
However, there's a catch.
If you leave the U.S. before your request is approved, or if you're not following the rules for your student visa, the company might still have to pay the fee.
So, it's important to make sure all the paperwork is correct and you stay in valid status.
F-1 students can work for US companies without paying the $100,000 H-1B petition fee while studying or on OPT.
The fee exemption applies if a petition is filed after September 21, 2025, requesting a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay.
USCIS has discretion in approving requests for extension of stay or change of status.
The $100,000 fee will apply if a foreign national is ineligible for a change of status, not in valid non-immigrant status, or departs the U.S. before adjudication.
This clarification targets F-1 visa holders as potential hires for US employers.
- Who
- F-1 visa holders and US employers.
- What
- Clarification on the exemption of a $100,000 H-1B petition fee for F-1 students.
- When
- Petitions filed after September 21, 2025.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- To allow F-1 students to work for US companies without paying the significant fee under specific conditions related to changes in visa status.
- H-1B Fee Exemption
- Applies to F-1 students working for US companies during study or OPT.
- Condition for Exemption
- Petition must be filed before September 21, 2025, and requests a change of status, amendment, or extension.
- Form Used
- Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) or Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539).
- USCIS Discretion
- Eligibility for change of status, amendment, or extension is at USCIS discretion.
- Fee Applies If
- Foreign national is ineligible for change of status, not in valid non-immigrant status, or departs the US before adjudication.