Trump's New Policy Surprise: H-1B Application Fee Soars by $100,000

On September 19, 2025, local time, a major news came from the White House: Trump signed an announcement to add an application fee of up to $100,000 for H-1B work visas!

From September 21, 2025, for 12 months, foreign nationals applying for H-1B professional occupation visas will need to pay an additional $100,000 fee. Those who do not pay will face restrictions on their entry applications.

This move aims to limit the use of H-1B, protect domestic workers in the United States, and is seen by the government as part of addressing "national security threats." This policy adjustment has instantly caused a stir in the tech industry and among foreign talent circles, and it is undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for international students who originally relied on H-1B visas. The cost of staying in the U.S. has skyrocketed, and uncertainty has increased sharply.

01, H-1B Dilemma: High Fees, Strict Regulations, Fierce Competition

According to information disclosed by the White House, this H-1B visa adjustment not only adds a huge application fee but also further restricts visa issuance by modifying the "wage standards." According to current regulations, the direct costs related to H-1B visas only include the registration fee and the I-129 form fee, while the additional $100,000 fee directly increases the application cost by more than a hundred times.

For tech companies and job seekers relying on H-1B, this is undoubtedly a double blow. Data shows that in 2025, tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta were approved for thousands to tens of thousands of H-1B visas; in 2024, India and China were the main beneficiary countries with 71% and 11.7% of the total H-1B visa approvals, respectively. After the policy tightening, corporate recruitment costs have surged, and under the dual pressure of "lottery + high fees," traditional immigration paths are becoming increasingly difficult.

It should be noted that: The $100,000 fee is only paid when submitting a complete application (I-129 form) after being selected in the lottery. Employers who are not selected only need to pay the $10 registration fee, and there is no issue of a refund for the $100,000 fee. If selected and the fee is paid but the application is rejected, according to USCIS's regular policy, the $100,000 is likely non-refundable, and specific implementation details need to be awaited.

 

 

02, H-1B Holders' Breakthrough Path: EB-5 Investment Immigration as the Best Solution

When the H-1B visa "changes," more and more international students and H-1B holders in the U.S. are turning their attention to EB-5 investment immigration. As one of the few "direct green card" channels in the U.S. immigration system, EB-5 provides H-1B holders with an alternative solution to bypass occupational visa restrictions.

Compared to H-1B's "employer binding + lottery uncertainty + salary restrictions," the core advantages of EB-5 lie in "autonomy" and "stability." Applicants do not need to rely on employer sponsorship and can secure permanent residency in the U.S. for themselves and their families through qualifying investment projects, without being constrained by occupational fields or salary levels.

 

03, Why Can EB-5 Become a "Fast Track"?

Currently, EB-5 regional center projects are in a phase of policy benefits without a waiting period, with clear investment thresholds and relatively efficient processes.

Under the new EB-5 law, EB-5 applicants within the U.S., including international students, can submit I-526E investment immigration applications while simultaneously submitting I-526E immigration applications and I-485 status adjustment applications, provided there is no waiting period for the EB-5 project category they are applying for. They can receive a Combo Card in about three months. Applicants can legally reside, study, and work in the U.S. while waiting for green card approval.

For H-1B holders, choosing EB-5 means:

• Freeing from employer dependence: No need to worry about visa invalidation due to job changes or company layoffs, and the entire green card application process is autonomously controllable;

• Family benefits simultaneously: After the main applicant is approved, the spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain green cards and enjoy U.S. education, medical care, and other social benefits;

• More freedom in career development: After obtaining a green card, one can work in any region or industry in the U.S. without being restricted by H-1B occupational categories.

 

Seize the Window Period, Plan Early for EB-5 Immigration to Benefit Early

Behind the tightening of H-1B policies is the U.S. immigration system's tilt towards "high-value immigration." Currently, it is the golden window period for planning EB-5 immigration. Instead of passively waiting in the "lottery battle" and "fee surge" of H-1B, it is better to actively plan for EB-5 and pave a more certain path to U.S. immigration for yourself and your family. Act now, consult with Worldway professional EB-5 immigration consultants, evaluate your qualifications, and seize the no-waiting-period benefits!