Trump's H-1B Visa Fee Announcement Leaves Immigrants in Limbo

Strategic Insights -

Donald Trump's recent proclamation introducing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has sparked confusion and concern among tech employees in the United States. The announcement has led many companies to advise their H-1B employees to return to the US before September 21. Despite the White House's clarification that the fee only applies to new applicants, not renewals or current visa holders, the move has raised questions about its impact on international students, including those on F-1 visas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications will only apply to new applicants, not renewals or current visa holders, as clarified by the White House.
  • A partner at California-based Menlo Ventures, Deedy Das, spoke with an immigration lawyer about the implications of the new fee, including its potential impact on international students on F-1 visas.
  • According to immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn, F-1 international students applying for an H-1B lottery next year may still have to pay the $100,000 fee, as it is checked upon entry.
  • The one-time $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications means it does not apply to annual fees.
  • The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the fee only applies to petitions submitted after September 21.

Statistics:

  • The US citizenship and immigration services (USCIS) clarified the $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications.
  • 12 months - the duration of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students in the US.
  • 24 months - the additional STEM extension for eligible degrees.
  • $100,000 - the new fee on H-1B visa applications, only applicable to new applicants.

Sources:

  • Donald Trump's proclamation on the H-1B visa application fee
  • Us Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarification on the $100,000 fee
  • Deedy Das's post on X about her conversation with immigration lawyer Sophie Alcorn
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's post on X clarifying the one-time fee