White House Clarifies H-1B Visa Changes: Focus on New Applications

A recent update to the H-1B visa program introduces a substantial change: a $100,000 annual fee for those applying after the rule’s announcement. This fee also extends to new petitions that add to existing ones. Employers must be prepared to demonstrate payment, as the DHS may deny the petition if payment isn’t confirmed. The rule applies to all non-US based applicants seeking H-1B visas, with potential exceptions for cases deemed in the national interest. The H-1B program, originally designed to bring skilled international workers into specialized technical positions, has faced ongoing examination. A key group impacted is Indian IT professionals, the largest beneficiaries. Companies such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have traditionally employed H-1B visas to bring in and train developers in the United States.