Let’s cut through the noise. So far, having been scrolling through social media recently, you must have encountered some alarming headlines that scream of the end of the American dream or that everyone in the US will be sent back. The reality? Quite a bit more placid than the clickbait implies.
What actually happened?
A new requirement of a fee of $100,000 became effective on September 21, 2025, on new H-1B visa petitions. Yes, you read that right—$100,000. However, it is important to break down who this really affects before you get all panicked.
Who’s NOT Affected? The good news for most people is just this:
Existing H-1B holders: The fee is a one-time request on new requests only and does not extend to H-1B renewals and extensions. When you already hold an H-1B visa, you can keep on travelling and working in and out of the United States without paying any extra fee.
F-1 Students to H-1B: F-1 students who are already in the United States, including those with an OPT (Optional Practical Training), are also eligible to receive H-1B status. The most important distinction is location—in case you are applying in the US, you will not find a drastic difference in the landscape.
Other visa holders: The change does not affect people in the United States of America who are on H-4, L-1, or other visa programmes.
Applications submitted until September 21, 2025: All applicants who submitted their H-1B application before September 21, 2025, and are now awaiting the issuance of a visa or entry to the US do not need to pay the new fee.
Who IS Affected? The policy is attacked in this way:
Outsourcing firms of IT: The cost has gone up dramatically from the former 2000-5000 per petition. The reason behind this change is specifically to restrict the companies that introduce low-skilled workers into the country at the expense of the American workers. When an employee is really highly skilled and important, the fee will be paid by the companies that appreciate them.
Non-U.S. applicants: The proclamation is mainly concerned with limiting entry of some H-1B employees who do not have previously approved petitions and are seeking entry outside of the U.S.
Visitor factories and predatory behaviours: the companies that have been abusing the system by submitting mass H-1B applications will be unable to afford their business.
The Trump administration cited instances where organisations have obtained thousands of the H-1B approvals as they lay off workers in America. The real target of the policy is meant to see that H-1B visas are allocated to truly exceptional talent and not as a cost-reduction tool of firms seeking to take the place of American employees with less-expensive foreign nationals.
Don’t Let Fearmongers Win, as most YouTube channels and social media influencers are misinforming in the name of gaining views and interactivity. The rumours about individuals having to pay 100000 dollars a year or everyone on H-1B being deported are all fake. The 100,000 is a one-time cost but is not for any test to renew or for existing visa holders.
Should Students Continue to Come to the US?
Yes, the international student route is good. F-1 students may continue to stay in the United States and obtain the OPT and then change to H-1B. It is the same with the quality of education, research, and career opportunities in the U.S.
This does not mark the end of Indian immigration or the H-1B programme; it is a readjustment. The policy is aimed at getting rid of exploitative practices whilst maintaining an open-door policy on genuine talent. There is no need to be panicked in case you are a professional and you are already within the system or you are a student and you are seeking legitimate opportunities.
2026-27 Update: Since this article was first published, the $100,000 fee has been challenged in court. A federal court in Massachusetts struck it down in June 2026, and the appeals court refused to reinstate it while the case continues. In September 2026, the government renewed the proclamation until September 2027, but on 30 September 2026 a federal judge in California vacated the policies used to enforce it. USCIS also confirmed in October 2025 that students changing status from F-1 to H-1B inside the US are exempt. The situation may keep changing, so check USCIS and your university’s international office for the latest position before making decisions.
The American dream isn’t over. It is merely being softened to suit all, not only Americans, but also those who inject extraordinary skills that add up to the development of the nation. Nothing is as clear as accurate facts. Stay informed, not alarmed.
– The Author is Mr. Ajay Thiara , Founder & Managing Director of 360 College Review