The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is proposing a permanent surcharge of over $100,000 [1] for new H-1B visas.

The move targets legal migration by significantly increasing the financial burden on foreign skilled workers and the companies that employ them. Because Indian nationals make up 71% [2] of H-1B beneficiaries, the policy would disproportionately affect workers from India.

The proposal comes from the Trump administration as part of a broader effort to restrict the flow of foreign labor into the U.S. immigration system. While some reports suggest the fee could reach $103,000, most primary reports cite a figure of approximately $100,000 [1].

Beyond the H-1B category, the administration is examining related work authorizations. There are conflicting reports regarding whether the surcharge will extend to Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students on F-1 visas, though the primary focus remains on H-1B and L-1 visas [1].

Separate from the proposed fee, the Department of Homeland Security is implementing new rules for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. These rules affect re-entry into the U.S. and are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 15 [3].

Industry analysts said the cost increase could force IT firms to spend millions of dollars more to maintain their foreign workforce. This shift may discourage companies from hiring international talent, specifically those entering the U.S. after graduation, due to the prohibitive cost of the surcharge.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is proposing a permanent surcharge of over $100,000 for new H-1B visas.”

This proposal represents a shift from using quotas to using financial barriers to control legal immigration. By raising the cost of entry to a level that exceeds the annual salary of many entry-level roles, the U.S. government is effectively creating a wealth or corporate-capital requirement for skilled migration. This could lead to a decrease in the diversity of the U.S. tech workforce and push skilled Indian professionals toward other global hubs like Canada or the UK.