US employers are facing a significant change in hiring practices due to a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions requiring consular processing, effective September 21, 2025. This fee, mandated by a Presidential Proclamation on September 19, 2025, will lead to increased scrutiny of international hires and a shift in recruitment strategies.
Key Details:
- New fee: $100,000 for H-1B petitions requiring consular processing.
- Effective date: September 21, 2025.
- Exemptions: Does not apply to change-of-status filings for candidates already in the US, including those on F-1 OPT.
- Employer response: Increased prioritization of candidates already in the US and a focus on higher-seniority roles.
This new fee is expected to impact the hiring landscape for international talent, as employers may favor candidates already residing in the US to avoid the additional costs. Legal challenges from the US Chamber of Commerce and the Association of American Universities (AAU) are currently underway, which may alter the situation before the next cap season.
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Source: Allison Turbovsky