The H-1B visa has long been one of the most important ways skilled foreign workers (especially in tech and engineering) can live and work in the United States. For many families, this visa provided stability and a path to long-term residency. For companies, it filled critical gaps in the workforce and allowed for more skilled workers to come onboard. That’s why the latest announcement from the U.S. government has caused so much concern. The new rule is not only sudden but also leaves many people abroad unsure of their future. Keep reading for all the important details and updates you need to know.
Also read: US Visa Applicants In UAE – Should You Make Your Social Media Profiles Public?
The 2025 Update: What Changed
As of Sunday, September 21, 2025, the U.S. government has introduced a new $100,000 supplemental fee for any fresh H-1B petitions filed on behalf of workers outside the United States.
This means:
- If your employer is applying for you from abroad, the petition must now include this additional cost.
- If you already hold an H-1B visa, or if your petition was filed before September 21, you are not directly affected by this new fee.
- Renewals and extensions for those already inside the U.S. remain unchanged.
- However, valid H-1B visa holders can still travel and return without paying the new fee.
The government has also signaled more changes ahead, such as raising required wage levels and prioritising higher-paid applicants in the lottery process.
What This Means For Workers & Employers
For many professionals stuck outside the U.S., this new rule has created a sudden barrier. The cost is extremely high, which makes sponsorship far less likely for smaller employers. Even for large companies, this fee could change hiring plans or force them to reduce the number of foreign workers they bring in.
Some U.S. companies have already asked their employees abroad to return quickly before the new rules took effect, but not everyone had that option. Many workers are now left in uncertainty, unsure if their employers can or will move forward with sponsorship under the new costs.
The Bigger Challenges
The H-1B system was already difficult for many workers. Long green card backlogs, layoffs in the tech industry, and strict time limits have left people in constant uncertainty. This new policy adds another layer of difficulty, especially for those who were planning to begin their journey from outside the U.S. Workers who lose their jobs while on an H-1B still face a short grace period to find a new sponsor, and with these added financial pressures, switching employers could become even harder.
A Global Shift
At the same time, other countries are making it easier for skilled workers to move. Canada, the UK, and the UAE are opening doors with simplified visa programs and clear paths to residency. For many professionals, these countries are starting to look like more realistic options if the U.S. becomes too costly or uncertain.
Immigration lawyers have raised concerns that parts of this policy may face legal challenges. Industry groups in India, whose workers make up a large share of H-1B visas, say the move will create major disruptions for both companies and employees. What most experts agree on is that fewer companies are likely to file new petitions from abroad. More workers may look at alternate visa options, or shift their career plans to other countries.
So, Is The H-1B Dead?
No, the visa itself is not gone. But the new $100,000 fee makes it much harder for new applicants outside the U.S. to get in. For many, this may feel like a door suddenly closing. What happens next will depend on whether legal challenges move forward, if Congress steps in, or if more detailed guidance from the government clarifies the grey areas.
Questions You Want Answered About The H-1B Visa
- When will the H-1B lottery results be announced?
For the FY 2026 cap, USCIS has already completed the lottery. Results are typically shared between March and April.
- How many H-1B visas are issued in 2025?
The annual cap remains at 65,000 regular visas plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders. For FY 2025, around 135,000 registrations were selected out of more than 470,000.
- Can H-1B holders switch jobs after layoffs?
Yes, but it depends on timing and location. If you are in the U.S., your new employer can file a petition for you. If you are abroad, the new $100,000 fee could apply, which complicates matters.
The Best Step Forward
The H-1B program isn’t dead, but it has changed in a way that could shut out many who were hoping to begin their journey. For workers and families caught outside the U.S., this update feels like an immediate roadblock.
The best step forward is to stay updated through official USCIS announcements, consult with an immigration lawyer if possible, and explore alternative options. Either through different U.S. visas or opportunities abroad.
