$100K H1B Fee Order: Relief for Current Holders, Tension for Others

Donald Trump’s order asking for a $100,000 fee on every new H1B visa created shockwaves among Indians, especially Telugu people who form a big share of the H1B community. Families were worried, and confusion spread quickly on whether this massive fee would also affect those already in the U.S. or holding valid visas.

Finally, there is some official clarity. Karoline Leavitt, Assistant to President Trump, came forward on social media to clear the doubts. She confirmed that this is not an annual fee but a one-time payment applied only to fresh petitions. Importantly, those who already hold H1B visas will not be charged $100,000 when they travel in and out of the U.S. Their ability to re-enter remains the same as before. She also added that the new rule does not apply to renewals, only to brand new visas.

The White House Rapid Response account on X also issued a detailed clarification. It stated that the proclamation does not apply to anyone who already has a current visa. It only applies to future applicants in the February lottery who are still outside the U.S. The order has no impact on those who already participated in the 2025 lottery or on the travel rights of existing visa holders.

With these statements, the Indian H1B community finally breathed a huge sigh of relief. But the tension is far from over. Masters students and others who are planning to apply in the 2026 lottery now face an uncertain and worrying future under this new policy.