White House Clarifies H-1B Visa Fee, Months After Announcement

Strategic Insights -

The White House on Saturday issued a major clarification to its new H-1B visa policy, stating that a USD100,000 fee will be a "one-time" payment imposed only on new applicants, not current visa holders or renewals. The clarification came after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick repeatedly said on Friday that the fee would be applied annually. The executive order, which was announced in January by President Donald Trump, aims to support American workers and allegedly targets foreign workers with specialized skills. The order has sparked concerns among tech entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, and has been met with criticism from organizations such as Nasscom, India's top IT industry body.

Key Takeaways:

  • The H-1B visa fee will be a one-time payment of USD100,000 imposed only on new applicants, not current visa holders or renewals.
  • US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick initially stated that the fee would be applied annually, but the White House clarified the policy on Saturday.
  • The executive order aims to support American workers and allegedly targets foreign workers with specialized skills.
  • The order has been met with criticism from tech entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, and organizations such as Nasscom, India's top IT industry body.
  • The order may have humanitarian consequences due to the disruption caused for families of foreign workers.
  • The US approved approximately 400,000 H-1B visas in 2024, with two-thirds being renewals.
  • Indian nationals account for nearly three-quarters of the permits allotted via lottery system each year.

Statistics:

  • The H-1B visa fee is USD100,000 for new applicants.
  • The executive order will take effect on Sunday at 12:01 am (0401 GMT), or 9:01 pm Saturday on the Pacific Coast.
  • Approximately 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024, with two-thirds being renewals.
  • Indian nationals account for nearly three-quarters of the permits allotted via lottery system each year.
  • The H-1B visa program allows companies to sponsor foreign workers with specialized skills for three years, extendable to six years.

Sources:

  • The White House
  • AFP
  • Alliance News Ltd.
  • San Francisco Chronicle
  • NPR