There is a #Trump proclamation (few months old) that imposes an additional fine ($100k) for applying to a new H1-B visa (the type that is used a lot by researchers).
Does anyone know for sure (with a source please) if this applies to those who are already in the US (for any reason, e.g. you were on a different visa or you are in the grace period of a visa)?
The original proclamation is here and doesn't mention exceptions for already being in the country, just that it doesn't apply to H-1B renewals...
#UsPol #H1B #H1BVisa
On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation, "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers," that took an important, initial, and incremental step to reform the H-1B visa program to curb abuses and protect Ameri…
USCIS
MCDuncanLab
in reply to El Duvelle • • •Sensitive content
Our international office advises that if someone is currently on an F1 visa that is ending and needs to be transitioned to anew H1B visa to work at our school, the 100K fee will not apply unless the original application is denied.
In that case, they need to leave the country, reapply, and the 100K fee will be charged.
I hope this helps. I don't know about other status changes.
This could (of course) change any time.
MCDuncanLab
in reply to MCDuncanLab • • •Sensitive content
Here's the website with our international center's advice.
internationalcenter.umich.edu/…
El Duvelle
in reply to MCDuncanLab • • •Sensitive content
El Duvelle
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MCDuncanLab
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Mar
in reply to El Duvelle • • •Sensitive content
this source from Yale says that the fee is not required if your employer is filling a "change in status" (from a different non-immigrant visa to H1-B). There is a warning to remain in the US while the change in status is processed. It is not clear if you're in the grace period.
oiss.yale.edu/news/uscis-clari…
A California legal firm has similar language.
cdflaborlaw.com/blog/uscis-cla…
USCIS Clarifies the $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee | CDF Labor Law LLP
www.cdflaborlaw.com