H1-B visa fees to be hiked. Who will be affected?

The US government plans to increase the H-1B visa fee by $100,000, causing concern among employers and potential workers. This proposal comes after a court invalidated a similar charge for H-1B applicants outside the US. The added fee would affect all H-1B petitions, including those of foreign students with master’s degrees, who typically account for 70% of approved H-1B applications.

H-1B visas are the primary route for skilled foreign professionals to work in the US, so the hike will likely impact these individuals the most. The move is part of a broader effort to recoup costs associated with managing the lawful immigration system.