Recent international graduates in the U.S. transitioning from F-1 student visas to H-1B work visas are not required to pay the newly implemented $100,000 fee, according to updated guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This exemption also applies to individuals applying for amendments, changes of status, or extensions of stay within the United States.
The Trump administration introduced the $100,000 fee through a proclamation on September 19, 2025, aiming to address perceived abuses within the H-1B program. However, the USCIS clarified that this fee applies only to new petitions filed after the proclamation’s effective date. Consequently, international graduates already in the U.S. are not subject to this additional cost.
Employers and legal professionals have expressed concerns that this fee could significantly impact the hiring of foreign talent, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit challenging the fee, arguing that it exceeds the executive branch’s authority and violates the Immigration and Nationality Act.
For those eligible, the USCIS has established an online portal for the payment of the $100,000 fee. However, it’s crucial for international graduates to understand that they are exempt from this requirement if their petitions fall under the specified categories.
