Nasscom warns the fee, imposed by President Donald Trump's order, could disrupt Indian technology companies' US operations. Companies like Microsoft advised H-1B employees to stay in the US, causing visa holders to rush back. WASHINGTON – A new US$100,000 (S$128,000) fee for H-1B visas “This is not an annual fee.
It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt posted on X on Sept 20. A petition is a request by a company to bring a skilled worker from another country into the US.
Ms Leavitt added that current H-1B visa holders who are outside the country will not be charged US$100,000 to re-enter the US. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sept 19 said the fee would be paid annually but added that details were “still being considered”.
Some companies including Microsoft, JPMorgan and Amazon, responded to the Sept 19 announcement by advising employees holding H-1B visas to remain in the US.
Published: September 20, 2025 6:15 pm
Source: The Straits Times — Read original