After $100,000 H‑1B Fee, U.S. Plans Fresh Restrictions on Visa Rules

Washington | NewsOrbital.com — The Trump administration is preparing to tighten its grip on the H‑1B visa program, advancing plans for fresh restrictions now that the $100,000 visa fee has been implemented. This follows earlier changes that automatically triggered global concerns among foreign professionals and employers.

Under the proposed rules, eligibility for cap exemptions may be narrowed, employer compliance will face heavier scrutiny, and third‑party placements could be subject to stricter regulation. The government is also considering revising which employers and job roles are exempted from the annual cap. These changes could significantly impact universities, healthcare institutions, and non‑profits, which often benefit from existing exemptions. The stated aim of the reforms is to preserve the integrity of the H‑1B system and better protect wages and working conditions for U.S. workers.

Importantly, current H‑1B visa holders and pending renewals are not affected by the $100,000 fee, which applies only to new visa petitions filed after the rule’s effective date. The DHS rulemaking proposal suggests an expected regulatory publication by December 2025.

For thousands of Indian and global professionals eyeing job opportunities in the U.S., these developments inject fresh uncertainty. As the reforms evolve, many are watching whether the changes will curtail immigration pathways or reshape the future of the H‑1B system.