The repercussions of the $100,000 H-1B fee continue to unfold. A student has reported that their cap-exempt public university has stopped filing H-1B visa petitions.
University Halts All H-1B Filings
The university announced the decision on its official website, confirming that it has halted all new H-1B petitions with immediate effect. The move is directly linked to the recently introduced $100,000 filing fee for new petitions, which came into effect on 21st September 2025.
Fear of Unexpected Costs
Although cap-exempt universities are usually excluded from standard H-1B fees, the institution remains cautious. It has stated that it will not submit any new filings until clear guidance is issued by the government. The concern is that the new fee could unexpectedly apply to cap-exempt petitions, placing a severe financial strain on universities.
Experts Support the Decision
Experts have backed the university’s move, calling it “understandable.” They believe several other universities and organisations will adopt the same cautious stance. According to them, the purpose of the fee is to send a “shockwave” through the immigration system and effectively “declare war on H-1B.”
Legal Challenge and Wider Impact
Experts also expect the new rule to face legal challenges. However, they believe the case might not be resolved until a new administration takes office in 2029.
The effects are already visible. Many institutions and employers have paused H-1B filings, leaving countless immigrant workers and students uncertain about their future in the United States.
