White House says $100K H-1B visa fee won't apply to existing holders as Trump move stirs anxiety

"WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump 's latest plan to overhaul the American immigration system has left some immigrant workers confused, forcing the White House on Saturday to scramble to clarify that a new $100,000 fee on visas for skilled tech workers only applies to new applicants and not to current visa holders. The president on Friday, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick by his side, signed a proclamation that will require the new fee for what are known as H-1B visas - meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill."

"'Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a posting on X. 'This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders.' The fee takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday. It is scheduled to expire after a year. But it could be extended if the government determines that is in the interest of the United States to keep it."

"But immigration attorneys said that the White House move threatened to upend the lives of many skilled workers and has far-reaching impact on American business. Kathleen Campbell Walker, an immigration attorney with Dickinson Wright based in El Paso, Texas, said in a posting on LinkedIn that the White House move 'inserts total chaos in existing H-1B process with basically a day's notice.'"

A presidential proclamation establishes a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas aimed at skilled tech workers. The fee applies to new visa applicants and takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, with a scheduled one-year expiration that could be extended if deemed in the national interest. The White House clarified that current H-1B holders and renewals will not be charged and that existing visa travel is not impacted. Immigration attorneys warned the move could disrupt skilled workers and U.S. businesses. Administration statements conflicted on whether the fee is one-time or an annual company cost.

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