In September 2025, a Presidential Proclamation reshaped U.S. immigration policies. The biggest shock: a $100,000 fee for most new H-1B petitions, restrictions on certain H-1B visa holders entering the U.S., and a ban on third-country visa stamping. This guide explains what changed, who is affected, and how professionals and employers should respond.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of U.S. Visa Policy Changes (September 2025)
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| New H-1B Fee | $100,000 fee required for most new petitions after Sept 21, 2025 |
| Entry Restrictions | Certain H-1B holders may be denied entry if the fee isn’t paid |
| Visa Application Rule | Must apply in your home country or country of residence (no third-country stamping) |
| Duration | Valid for 12 months (until Sept 2026), unless extended |
| Exemptions | Existing valid H-1Bs & renewals with same employer may be exempt |
Why Did the U.S. Introduce These Visa Changes?
- Protect U.S. Workers: Prevent wage undercutting by foreign hires
- Curb H-1B Misuse: Stop staffing agencies from exploiting loopholes
- Encourage Domestic Hiring: Push companies to hire more U.S. citizens
- Increase Revenue: $100,000 per petition generates billions in fees
Critics argue these rules will hurt tech firms, universities, and healthcare employers that depend on global talent.
Who Is Affected by the New H-1B Rules?
- New H-1B applicants (outside U.S.) – must pay $100,000 fee
- Traveling H-1B holders – may face entry issues if their petition isn’t updated
- Change-of-employer petitions – still unclear whether they are “new”
- Extensions with same employer – likely exempt
- All other nonimmigrant visa applicants (B1/B2, F1, J1, etc.) – must apply only from country of nationality or residence
H-1B Visa Rules: 2024 vs 2025 Changes
| Aspect | H-1B Visa Rules (2024) | H-1B Visa Rules (2025 – After Sept 21) |
|---|---|---|
| Petition Fee | $780 (filing) + $500 (fraud) + $1,500 (ACWIA) | $100,000 additional fee + existing fees |
| Entry for Visa Holders | Allowed with valid H-1B visa | Restricted if $100,000 fee not paid |
| Consular Processing | Allowed in third countries (e.g. Canada, UAE) | Must apply in home country or residence only |
| Exemptions | N/A | Extensions/renewals with same employer exempt |
| Duration of Rule | Standard USCIS policy | 12 months (Sept 2025 – Sept 2026), may extend |
| Impact on Employers | Affordable for startups & tech firms | Heavily discourages small/mid employers due to high cost |
| Global Talent Flow | U.S. remained top destination | Skilled workers may shift to UAE, Canada, UK, EU |
Cost Breakdown of the $100,000 H-1B Fee
Employers sponsoring a new H-1B must now cover:
- USCIS Filing Fee: $780
- Fraud Prevention Fee: $500
- ACWIA Fee: $1,500
- Premium Processing (optional): $2,805
- NEW Presidential Fee (Sept 2025): $100,000
👉 Total can exceed $105,000 per H-1B petition, making it nearly impossible for small firms to sponsor foreign workers.
What This Means for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
- No more third-country stamping (e.g., Indians applying in Canada or UAE)
- Must return to home country for interviews and stamping
- Longer wait times expected at high-volume U.S. consulates (India, China, Philippines)
Impact on Global Talent & Employers
- Tech Industry: Major impact on Silicon Valley startups relying on foreign engineers
- Healthcare: Shortage of nurses/doctors may worsen
- Universities: International students may reconsider U.S. education
- Gulf & Europe: Skilled workers may redirect to UAE, Canada, UK, or Germany instead of U.S.
Documents Required for H-1B / Visa Applicants
- Valid Passport (6+ months)
- DS-160 Confirmation (for nonimmigrant visas)
- Petition Approval Notice (I-797)
- Employer Support Letter
- Proof of Residence (if applying in country of residence)
- Proof of Payment of $100,000 Fee (for new H-1Bs)
Candidate Experience (Case Study)
“I had my H-1B approved in August 2025, but my stamping was after the proclamation. Luckily, since my petition was filed before Sept 21, I didn’t have to pay the $100K. But my colleague, whose petition was filed later, couldn’t travel without the new fee.” – Ravi K., Software Engineer
FAQs — U.S. Visa Changes 2025
Do all H-1B petitions need the $100,000 fee?
No. Only new petitions filed after Sept 21, 2025 require it. Renewals/extensions are exempt.
Can I apply for a U.S. visa in a third country like Canada or UAE?
No. Applications must be made in home country or country of legal residence.
Are F1 (student visas) or B1/B2 (tourist visas) affected?
Yes, they must be applied for in the applicant’s home country.
How long will this rule last?
It’s valid for 12 months unless extended
Will this be challenged in court?
Yes, lawsuits are expected; parts may be overturned.
Disclaimer
This content is for information only and does not replace professional legal advice. Always consult official USCIS or U.S. embassy websites before applying.
✍️ About the Author
This article is published by Gulf Careers Hub, your reliable source for global visa and career news. We specialize in job listings, salary guides, visa sponsorship updates, and expat career advice.
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