On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a Proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”. This marks the first step toward reforming the H-1B visa program.

Key Changes Effective September 21, 2025

• A $100,000 fee is now required for all new H-1B petitions (including the 2026 lottery).
• Applies only to new petitions filed after 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025.
• Does not affect renewals, previously issued H-1Bs, or petitions filed before this date.
• Current H-1B visa holders may still travel in and out of the U.S. without issue.

What’s Next?
The Proclamation instructs DHS, DOS, and CBP to take steps to implement these changes. Additional reforms under consideration include:

• Raising prevailing wage levels (Department of Labor).
• Prioritizing high-skilled, high-paid applicants in the lottery (DHS).

Guidance has already been issued by USCIS, CBP, and the State Department.

At Fuessel Law, we’re closely monitoring these developments to guide our clients through the evolving H-1B landscape. If you have questions about how this may affect your case, reach out to our team.