Big Relief for H1B Applicants – USCIS Clarifies $100,000 Fee Confusion

The United States has given clarity on H1B fees. This update will be a big relief for Students, techies, doctors, and Research Professionals who are inside America. Students with an F1 Visa and an L-1 Transferee who are already in the US don't have to pay $100,000 for an H1B Visa. 

The U.S. Government has now clarified

1. The fee is only applicable to people who are applying for new H-1B petitions from outside America and those initiated by foreign companies and individuals.
2. People who are in the pipeline for changing their visa status from F1 to H-1B and L1 to H-1B are exempt from these fees.
3. Students and Company Transferees who are already in the U.S will not come into this $100,000 fee radar.

Why do Indians take it as a matter of pride

India accounts for a major portion of H-1B talent, and this update is a major relief. STEM graduates on F1 and OPT visa status are transitioning to H-1B. Also, L1 transfers work at MNCs. Indians who are applying outside of America will be impacted, and $100,000 fees would be a barrier to them, especially for start-ups and small firms.

The Annual statistics for H1B approved petitions of Indian nationals

The exact numbers may vary annually because of many factors, like total visa approvals and lottery filings. Look at the annual statistics for H-1B petitions.

• Fiscal Year 2024 by the end of September 30, 2024: Indian Nationals Approved petitions: 283,397 H-1B petitions
• Fiscal Year 2023 by the end of September 30, 2023: Indian Nationals Approved petitions: 279,386 H-1B petitions
• Fiscal Year 2022 by the end of September 30, 2022: Indian Nationals Approved petitions: 132,429 H-1B petitions

Frequently Asked Questions on H-1B visa (2025 update)

1. Who should pay the $100,000 H-1B fee?

Ans: The employer who is sponsoring the H-1B worker is responsible for this payment. This fee applies only to new petitions filed for applicants outside the United States of America and seeking entry under H-1B status.

2. Who are exempted from the $100,000 fee?

Ans: The following categories will be exempted

1. Existing H-1B holders with valid visas
2. Petitions which was filed before September 21, 2025.
3. Changes to visa status, extension, or amendment requests made from within the United States.
4. Students who are transitioning from F-1 to H-1B within the United States.
5. People who later travel abroad under an approved H-1B petition.