H-1B visa fee may be hiked soon as per US plans — Check proposed charges

The US administration is considering a $103,265 fee for new H-1B visas, a policy that has faced court rulings and criticism. This fee is a significant increase from the typical $2,000 to $5,000 cost for an H-1B application. The proposed regulation, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to codify a fee President Donald Trump introduced through a temporary proclamation last year.

However, a federal judge ruled the fee illegal and blocked its collection. The proposal now enters a 30-day public comment period and could be finalized by the end of 2026. Critics argue that the fee would significantly increase the cost for US employers seeking to hire foreign workers, potentially stifling competition and innovation.

Supporters of the program argue that it addresses a shortage of qualified workers in certain sectors. The fee's future remains uncertain amid ongoing legal challenges.