The United States government has clarified its recently announced policy regarding the H-1B visa program, specifically addressing concerns raised about a new fee affecting skilled foreign workers. The White House confirmed on Saturday that the proposed 0,000 fee would apply only to new visa applications and would not impact current holders of H-1B visas. This clarification aims to reassure international professionals and businesses reliant on this skilled labor segment.
The announcement follows comments made by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, who had indicated that the fee would apply annually to both new visa applications and renewals. In response to these assertions, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the fee is a one-time charge applicable solely to new petitions and will not affect the travel or re-entry of existing visa holders. Leavitt further elaborated that those outside the country with active H-1B visas would not incur the fee upon re-entry.
President Donald Trump signed the executive order imposing this new fee on Friday night, effective from 12:01 AM on