$100,000 fee for H-1B visa is one-time requirement for new applicants only, US Official confirms to CNBC-TV18

US President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation making it mandatory for H-1B visa applicants to deposit a $100,000 fee. This is to prevent abuse of the H-1B programme. The proclamation had set off uncertainty among H-1B visa holders, as the new rule was set to come into effect from September 21, 2015.

However, a senior US official has clarified to CNBC-TV18 that the requirement to pay $100,000 is for new lottery petitions only. "It does not affect current H-1B holders, who do not need to rush back to the US before Sunday," said the official.

The official further clarified that this is a one-time fee that applies only to the petition. "It only applies to new visas, not renewals or current visa holders," he said. Which means existing H1-B holders outside the US will not have to pay this fee and those applying for renewal of visas will not have to pay this additional fee either.

Indian

nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number [phone] (and WhatsApp). This number should be used only by Indian nationals seeking immediate emergency assistance and not for routine consular queries.

— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) September 20, 2025

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in US has shared contact numbers for Indian nationals needing urgent emergency assistance, with regards to the news H-1B visa rule implemented by Trump.

Also read | Donald Trump announces $100,000 H1-B visa fee in move that could impact Indian workers in US

Further, the new rules will be applicable in the next upcoming lottery cycle.

CNBC-TV18 wrote to the US State Department to seek clarity about the implementation of the new proclamation and the status of existing H1B visa holders. "The Department of State is working closely with the White House and interagency partners to implement the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers", said the spokesperson in reply.

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White House Spokeswoman Taylor Roger explained the intent behind the Presidential Proclamation. “President Trump promised to put American workers first, and this commonsense action does just that by discouraging companies from spamming the system and driving down wages. It also gives certainty to American businesses who actually want to bring high-skilled workers to our great country but have been trampled on by abuses of the system", she said.

The Indian government has advised all its Missions & Posts to extend all possible help to Indian nationals who are travelling back to the US in the next 24 hours or so.

India's Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that the changes in H-1B rules are likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of disruption caused for families. Indian government hopes that these disruptions can be suitably addressed by US authorities, said the statement.