USCIS has announced that it will approve H-1B petitions filed from outside the United States without requiring the $100,000 fee for beneficiaries who hold a valid, unexpired H-1B visa stamp in their passport. This policy change took effect on May 10, 2026, and applies to cases filed with premium processing.
Key Details:
- Effective date: May 10, 2026
- Applies to: H-1B petitions filed from outside the US with valid visa stamps
- Recent approvals: Two cases filed in late November 2025, processed by the Nebraska Service Center
- Legal representation: One petition was handled by Fragomen and the other by Thomas V. Allen
This update is significant for H-1B visa holders currently outside the US, as it alleviates the financial burden of the $100K fee, potentially expediting their return to the workforce. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: r/h1b