Trump Extends $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee for Another Year, Effective Until September 2027

Kathmandu — U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to maintain the $100,000 fee on H-1B visas used for skilled foreign workers for another year. According to a White House announcement, this provision will remain in effect until September 21, 2027.

In the U.S., employers have been using H-1B visas to hire foreign workers in technology and other skilled sectors. Previously, the fee ranged from about $2,000 to $5,000. The Trump administration, claiming that foreign workers have affected the employment and wages of American workers, has significantly increased the fee.

Under the new provision, employers must pay $100,000 for certain H-1B applicants outside the United States. There is also a provision to grant exemptions to certain individuals, companies, or industries if deemed necessary in the national interest.

The Trump administration says the new provision was introduced to prevent abuse of the H-1B program. According to the White House, after the 2025 provision took effect, H-1B applications registered by large IT outsourcing companies fell by 92 percent.

However, legal disputes over this provision continue. The Boston-based appellate court is reviewing a previous decision related to the fee. A challenge filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in another court is also pending.

Some business groups and companies, however, have argued that the H-1B visa helps bring qualified foreign workers into fields facing a shortage of highly skilled manpower. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1990, this program has remained important for U.S. tech companies, especially for bringing skilled manpower from India and China.

The new policy has also affected U.S. companies' hiring and expansion plans. Media reports mention that Alphabet, the parent company of Google, one of the major users of H-1B visas, has taken steps to expand its activities in India.