Proclamation Alters New H-1B Visas

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a "Proclamation" (Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers)¹ requiring a $100,000 annual fee for all new H-1B visa applications filed after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 21, 2025. According to this Presidential Action, employers must first obtain and retain documentation showing that the payment was made before they can file a new H-1B petition.

The Proclamation specifically targets new H-1B visa petitions; it does not impact applications that were filed prior to the effective date or current H-1B holders seeking extensions. The White House has clarified that this change will not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to or from the United States. Additionally, the Proclamation includes an exception for petitions aiming to hire a foreign national who is deemed to be in the national interest and does not pose a threat to U.S. security or welfare. However, there is currently no further