H-1B: US Extends $100,000 Fee — What It Means for IT

The US has extended a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions, according to The Times of India, citing Congressman Pawan Khera. For Indian IT professionals and students hoping to work in America, this is a worrying signal: sponsorship costs are becoming prohibitive for smaller companies.

What exactly changed

This is not the base filing fee, but an additional $100,000 charge that applies to certain categories of H-1B petitions. The US administration has renewed it — meaning employers who fall under the criteria must again factor in this amount when hiring foreign talent.

According to Pawan Khera, the measure could seriously impact Indian IT workers and students seeking employment in the US. Smaller companies are especially vulnerable: for them, sponsoring a single visa may cost more than their entire hiring budget. As a result, they may abandon H-1B petitions altogether.

Who is affected

• IT professionals from India who receive offers from US employers and depend on visa sponsorship.
• Students planning to stay in the US after graduation and transition to a work visa via H-1B.
• Small tech companies that lack the resources to cover the additional $100,000 fee.

Large corporations with big legal and HR budgets will likely continue sponsoring visas, but even they may reconsider priorities. For small businesses and startups, the extra fee becomes a de facto barrier.

Payment side: what to keep in mind

The $100,000 fee is not something the applicant pays directly, but it directly influences the employer's decision. If a company does sponsor, costs may be passed on indirectly — through offer terms, bonuses, or repayment clauses.

For those already in the process or planning a trip, payment nuances matter:

• Visa fee payments are usually made with a US card or via the official portal. Foreign cards may not be accepted directly — virtual cards can help here.
• Hotel bookings and pre-authorization often require a card with sufficient limit. Refunds on cancellations can take up to 30 days.
• Currency nuances: converting rubles to dollars for fee payments can add 2–5% to the amount.
• eSIM and taxis: upon arrival in the US, it's easier to set up an eSIM in advance and link a card to Uber/Lyft — without a local SIM this is harder.

What to do if you planned H-1B

The situation doesn't mean automatic rejection, but it requires revisiting your strategy. Check with your employer whether your petition falls under the additional fee and whether they are willing to cover it. If not, consider alternative visa categories or remote work for a US company from another country.

For those visiting the US short-term — for a conference, study, or meetings — short-term entry rules remain unchanged. But paying fees and bookings still requires a working foreign card.

Bottom line

The extension of the $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions hits small companies and young professionals hardest. Big players will likely adapt, but startups may simply stop sponsoring visas. If you were planning an H-1B move, now is the time to clarify terms with your employer and prepare a payment tool for associated costs.

Not financial or immigration advice. Check current rules on official USCIS and consulate websites.

Sources

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pawan-khera-flags-h-1b-fee-extension-warns-of-impact-on-indian-it-talent/articleshow/134350769.cms