Debasis Mohapatra
Bengaluru, 21 September 2025
As the new entry fee under H1B visa programme sent shockwaves across Indian IT industry, the US administration has issued clarification, which provides some relief to tech companies.
The White House has clarified that the new $100,000 entry fee will be applied only to new applications. It means those who will enter the US under the H1B visa programme will have to pay the new fee. The fee requirement will not be applicable for the existing professionals who are already working in the US under the visa programme.
After this clarification, there is no requirement for the H1B visa holders to rush back to the US if they are currently not in the North American nation. Similarly, the H1B visa holders are free to travel in and out of America without any restrictions.
Similarly, the Trump administration has clarified that the new fee of $100,000 is applicable one time. It means employers have to pay one time fee of $100,000 if they are bringing foreign talent for working in the US.
With these clarifications, the present regime of H1B visa programme will continue. The work of IT services firms is unlikely to be affected adversely after these clarifications. However, the applicability of new fees will push up costs for employers and make them rethink over bringing foreign talent to the US’ client sites.
