WASHINGTON, Sept 21 — The White House clarified on Saturday that President Donald Trump’s decision to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000 will not affect existing visa holders or those seeking renewals, calling it a one-time charge for new applicants only.
“This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X, adding that the payment would be a one-time fee and not an annual levy. She further noted, “Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will not be charged $100,000 to re-enter. H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would.”
Trump on Friday announced the sharp increase in fees, up from the current $1,000 to $100,000 (about Rs 86 lakh), arguing that the measure would “curb abuses that displace US workers and undermine national security.” A White House fact sheet said the new requirement applies to petitions for H-1B visas filed on behalf of foreign workers in specialty occupations unless accompanied by the $100,000 payment.
The Secretary of Homeland Security has been instructed to restrict approvals for applications from individuals outside the United States that do not include the payment, except in cases determined to be in the national interest. The administration also directed the department to begin rulemaking that would give priority to higher-skilled and higher-paid H-1B workers.
In India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) raised concerns about the move, calling it disruptive for families. “The increase from $1,000 to $100,000 is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of disruption for families. The Government hopes these disruptions can be addressed suitably by US authorities,” the MEA said in a statement.
The H-1B visa allows foreign professionals to work in the US, and Indians form the largest group of beneficiaries. With the new rule, the Trump administration has signaled a significant tightening of the program while maintaining that current visa holders will not face new financial burdens.
