Trump Administration Proposes $103,265 H-1B Visa Fee
Key Points
- Trump administration published proposal on August 24, 2026 to charge $103,265 for H-1B visa applications.
- The fee would replace a temporary $100,000 fee imposed last year that was blocked by federal courts in June.
- H-1B visa applications dropped 25 percent in 2025 to 344,000 registrations, down from 457,000 in 2024.
The spike in fees has curtailed visa applications substantially. As of February 15, US Citizenship and Immigration Services reported that only 70 employers made 85 payments of the $100,000 fee. Across the entire program, employers registered for approximately 344,000 H-1B visas in 2025, representing a 25 percent decline from 2024's 457,000 applications and significantly fewer than the 794,000 visas sought in 2023.
Trump and other program critics contend that H-1B visas are misused by companies seeking to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Business groups and companies counter that the visa program is essential to address a shortage of qualified American workers in certain fields and to attract top talent to US companies.
Read Next
Ukraine Drone Attacks Spark Fuel Crisis Across Central Asia
15 hours ago
Nevada Wildfire Forces 42,000 Evacuations Near Reno
23 hours ago
The US Chamber of Commerce, the nation's largest business lobbying group, has joined Democratic-led states and a coalition of unions and employers in challenging the fee. Those groups argue that the president's power to restrict entry does not authorize overriding the law establishing the H-1B program and that the Department of Homeland Security cannot impose fees without congressional authorization. The Trump administration maintains that the fee is not a traditional tax and that courts have limited power to question presidential authority over entry restrictions.
In a separate August rule, the Department of Homeland Security added fees of up to $4,500 to applications to extend H-1B worker stays or transfer employees based in other countries to the US. The administration has also ordered enhanced vetting of H-1B applicants and proposed a new selection process favoring higher-skilled and better-paid workers.
Related coverage: Ukraine Drone Attacks Spark Fuel Crisis Across Central Asia
For employers and workers depending on H-1B visas in the tech, education, and research sectors, the formalization of the fee represents a significant cost increase that could reshape hiring decisions if finalized.
What Happens Next
The proposed rule faces a 30-day comment period before DHS finalization. Pending litigation in federal appeals courts will likely determine whether the fee survives legal challenge. Business groups and Democratic states may amend their lawsuits to challenge the formalized rule once finalized. Congressional action could also address whether the administration has authority to impose fees without legislative approval.
Sources: Al Jazeera and other international news outlets.
Disclaimer: This article was produced with AI assistance based on publicly available news sources. While we strive for accuracy, NewsOracle makes no warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of the information. Errors and omissions may occur. Readers should independently verify all information before acting on it. NewsOracle does not intend to defame any individual or organisation and accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.
NewsOracle Editorial
The NewsOracle Politics Desk covers US politics, Congress, the White House, Supreme Court, global elections and international relations.
Latest coverage: Trump
