U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reported that students and visa holders who switch status during their stay in U.S. will not be obliged to pay the new H1B 100K fee.
According to the latest H1B news, the $100,000 additional H1B visa application fee will apply only to new petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, where the applicant plans to enter the U.S. after approval or is currently residing outside the country.
Students and Professionals Exempt from H1B 100K Fee
USCIS confirmed that applicants already in the U.S. under valid visas—such as F-1 student or L-1 transfer visas—and seeking a change of status or extension of stay to H1B visa status will not be affected by the new policy. This announcement is significant for Pakistani students in the U.S. graduating from universities and moving to employment under the H1B visa program.
When the New H1B 100K Fee Will Apply
The new H1B 100K fee will apply to applicants outside the U.S. or those requiring consular processing or airport entry clearance after approval.
USCIS stated that there will be no blanket waiver for the additional fee. However, employers or individuals can request an exemption if they can demonstrate that the job serves the U.S. national interest and that no qualified U.S. worker is available.
