New H-1B Visa Fee Could Limit Job Opportunities for International Students in the US

Strategic Insights -

A new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump could severely limit job opportunities for international students in the US, as it introduces a $100,000 one-time fee for new workers under the H-1B program. This fee is intended to "safeguard the rights, wages and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers" but could disproportionately affect smaller employers and nonprofits. The proclamation, titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," takes effect for new petitions submitted after September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. and will impact foreign students who attended universities in the US and want to pursue a job after graduation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new proclamation introduces a $100,000 one-time fee for new workers under the H-1B program, which will be in addition to the existing fees that employers cover.
  • Smaller employers and nonprofits will be disproportionately affected by this new fee, as they will struggle to cover the cost and may shrink the pool of opportunities for highly qualified workers.
  • The proclamation is designed to protect American workers who are similarly skilled and being passed over for international workers, but it may have unintended consequences for foreign students who attend US universities and want to pursue a job after graduation.
  • The H-1B program is designed for employers who want to hire foreign employees temporarily with special skills or in particular occupations and serves as a pathway to citizenship for eligible workers.
  • The proclamation aims to prevent abuses in the program, including money laundering and paying foreign workers lower wages.
  • The new fee is a significant increase from the existing charges, with the highest previously imposed fee being $4,000.

Statistics:

  • The new $100,000 fee is a one-time payment required for new workers under the H-1B program.
  • The fee is designed to "ensure employees prioritize qualified Americans when hiring workers and hold employers accountable if they abuse the H-1B visa process."
  • The proclamation takes effect for new petitions submitted after September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.
  • The H-1B program is used by approximately 85,000 international students who attend US universities each year.

Sources:

  • "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" proclamation, signed by President Donald Trump on September 19, 2025.
  • Department of Labor, news article, no date provided.