On Saturday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to X to clear up the confusion surrounding the recent $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. Many were left in the dark about when this new cost would kick in and who exactly will be impacted.
Newsweek made an attempt to get further clarity from the White House via email on Saturday afternoon, outside of typical office hours.
What’s the Big Deal?
The introduction of a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas is a major overhaul in how the U.S. manages its immigration for high-skill jobs. The Department of Labor has labeled this initiative as part of Project Firewall , designed to prioritize American workers for these specialized roles.
This visa program is crucial, especially for the tech and engineering sectors, where hiring skilled workers from abroad has become necessary due to a shortage of qualified candidates in the U.S.
Given the ongoing debate over whether American professionals possess the requisite skills — comments from big names like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, suggest that reviewers have recognized a cultural issue of valuing “mediocrity” over high-expectation.
Key Points to Understand
Earlier, on Friday, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation that requires this $100,000 fee to be paid when new H-1B visa petitions are submitted, which the White House detailed in an official document.
This hefty charge specifically targets only new applications submitted after the rule takes effect. Existing H-1B visa holders, those renewing their status, or individuals returning to the U.S. with a valid visa will not incur this fee.
As confusion spread, Leavitt reassured via X that this is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that is strictly for the petition.
Moreover, she highlighted that those with H-1B visas who are currently outside the country won’t face the $100,000 charge to return. Their ability to travel in and out of the U.S. remains unchanged, she stressed. This applies only to new visas, not renewals, or current visa holders. It will be effective with the next lottery cycle, Leavitt stated.
Employers are required to provide evidence of the fee’s payment for new applicants, and according to the New York Post, the Departments of State and Homeland Security have the power to deny entry to anyone who fails to follow these rules.
The White House has indicated that exceptions might occur, noting that under certain circumstances, the fee may be waived if granting visas aligns with the national interest, according to the series of regulations established by the DOL and DHS.
In another announcement, Trump also unveiled a new visa initiative d the Gold Card , allowing wealthy foreign investors – contributing at least $1 million – a pathway to U.S. permanent residency.
This Gold Card program, originally introduced in February, is set to replace the existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, known for offering green cards to individuals showcasing exceptional abilities in various fields.
Public Reaction
When asked about how tech companies will react to the new H-1B fee, President Trump expressed: I think they’re going to be very happy with the developments. We’re looking to retain productive individuals in our country, and many organizations will pay well for added talent and are indeed pleased.
Texas Republican Representative Brandon Gill posted on X: America is a nation, not a jobs program for foreign workers. Our H-1B system has faced misuse for too long.
Arizona Democrat Representative Greg Stanton remarked on X: So many engineers and researchers who drive progress came to America thanks to H-1B visas. Trump’s stance will push us out of the global talent pool, while others embrace these skilled professionals.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared thoughts about the Gold Card on X: In the last four years, the border has been overwhelmed with illegal immigration on the backs of hard-working Americans. The Trump administration is steering a new direction towards a system that guarantees benefits for America. We’re focused on ensuring that anyone working here must contribute significantly to the American economy.
He added, The Trump Card aims to put our immigration approach back to its original goal: enhancing advantages for America.
Looking Ahead
The implementation of the $100,000 fee will kick off with the next H-1B lottery cycle, which means that prospective applicants and their employers need to brace for elevated expenses when applying for new visas.
