The recent sharp increase in H-1B visa fees has raised major concerns among international workers, students transitioning into professional roles, and employers alike.
In a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on September 19, 2025, companies sponsoring H-1B visa holders will now be required to pay a one-time fee of $100,000 for each new petition filed on or after September 21. The change is intended to discourage perceived misuse of the program and to prioritize higher paid, highly skilled workers.
The policy does not apply to existing H-1B visa holders or to petitions filed before the effective date. Chad Gumbs, a former FAMU architecture student, had this to say.
“The H-1B visa creates the opportunity to work for the greatest nation on earth. Who wouldn’t want that a better lifestyle and better pay,” Gumbs said. “The increased visa fee absolutely shatters the dreams of people hoping to come and work in America the legal way. The biggest challenge would be finding an employer that is willing to pay the insane one-time fee to you employe you at that company.”
For Julien Denis, who is completing his OPT in cybersecurity, the fee increase raises the personal stakes. “It helps me take care of my family. America is a land of opportunity, and it gives me chances to network and gain new knowledge to advance my skills,” he said. “But I don’t feel hopeful about the changes because it will affect me if my company — or even I — can’t pay the new fee when it’s time to renew.”
He added, “As long as I’m not an American citizen, I always have to work harder to prove that I belong here.”
“It’s still not enough because, in their eyes, I will be a liability and not an asset — especially with the increase.”
Tavania Matthew, a former FSU graduate now completing OPT at a law firm, expressed a mix of optimism and concern. “The H-1B visa has opened incredible doors for me, both professionally and personally. It’s given me the chance to work in the U.S. in the field I’m most passionate about,” she said. “However, the talk about increased fees worries me because it could make companies more hesitant to hire international candidates like me. It’s already difficult enough to secure a job as an international student. Many employers avoid sponsorship because of the extra paperwork and cost. If the fees increase significantly, it might discourage even more companies from giving us a chance.”
Experts warn that the steep fee increase could slow international talent coming into the U.S., particularly in technology and other specialized fields where the H-1B visa is widely used. Some companies are already scrambling to assess how the new cost will impact hiring decisions and long-term workforce planning.
