White House Clarifies H-1B Fee Hike: Renewals Unaffected, Only New Applicants To Pay

The White House on September 20, 2025 clarified that the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee will be a one-time charge for new applicants, easing concerns after an earlier announcement suggested the levy would be imposed annually.

United States (US) Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had announced on September 19 that the fee would apply each year to people seeking a new visa as well as renewals, a statement that rattled the technology sector, which relies heavily on foreign talent.

However, late on September 20, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the fee would apply only once and only to new H-1B visa applications. Renewals and existing visa holders will not be affected.

Leavitt further said that existing H-1B holders abroad will not have to pay the $100,000 fee to re-enter the US.

“H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation,” Leavitt said.

The executive order implementing the policy came into effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Time on Sunday, or 9:30 AM, according to Indian Standard Time.

H-1B visas let US companies hire foreign workers with specialised skills, such as scientists, engineers, and IT professionals. The visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended up to six years.

MEA Responds To H-1B Fee Hike

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has directed embassies and consulates to assist Indian nationals travelling to the US within the next 24 hours.

"The government has seen reports related to the proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned, including by Indian industry, which has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H1B program," the statement said.

A Harsh Reality, But Also A Turning Point

The fee hike announcement has caused concern in India, especially among thousands of professionals, specifically those employed in the US IT sector who account for most H-1B visa holders. However, Leavitt’s clarification has brought a sense of relief amid confusion.

Col Sanjeev Govila (retd), Certified Financial Planner and CEO of Hum Fauji Initiatives, said the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, “is a harsh reality for countless talented individuals worldwide, especially the Indians waiting for their H1B dream while being in the US or still in India.” He added that while the policy reflects a broader trend of restrictive measures aimed at protecting domestic labor, it comes at the cost of shutting out global talent.

Govila urged professionals to see this as a turning point rather than wait for policy reversals or court interventions. “Returning home is not a step backward, but a leap toward contributing to a rapidly evolving nation,” he said. He further said that India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, offers “vibrant sectors hungry for skilled professionals.”

“It may not classify as a developed economy today, but we are well on the way.”

“Returning home is not a step backward, but a leap toward contributing to a rapidly evolving nation. Embrace this moment with optimism and pride - our own soil offers vast horizons where talent like these countless young people can truly shine and grow. Let’s build India’s tomorrow together,” Govila said.