Reminder

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in specialized fields (IT, engineering, healthcare, research, etc.). It is subject to an annual lottery managed by USCIS.

Key points

As of September 21, 2025, a $100,000 fee applies to all new H-1B petitions, including the 2026 lottery.

Current H-1B holders and petitions filed before this date are not affected.

Future reforms are expected: higher prevailing wage levels and prioritization of highly skilled, well-paid applicants.

It is not yet clear whether the new fee will apply to amendments such as employer changes.

Find all the details in our partner’s alert.

This alert was prepared based on the information shared by our partner Bruna Frota and her team from INLG, and published with their permission.