New H-1B Visa Fee: Requirement, Fee and Eligibility Requirement

1. What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These roles typically require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree — often in fields like IT, engineering, finance, or science.

Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft heavily depend on H-1B professionals to fill critical talent gaps. The visa is valid for three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years.

But here’s the twist: with rising debates around immigration reform and job protection for U.S. workers, the visa has frequently been in the political spotlight — and the latest fee hike is a game-changer.

2. New H-1B Visa Fee: What’s Changing in 2025?

Hold onto your seats — this one’s big.

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee per H-1B worker, starting in 2025. That’s right — companies must now shell out a whopping $100K per year for each sponsored H-1B employee.

Why this matters:

• For employers: The fee may deter small and mid-sized companies from hiring foreign talent, limiting their access to highly skilled workers.

• For workers: The pool of available H-1B jobs may shrink as companies evaluate whether the cost is worth it.

• For the tech industry: This could shift the balance, as firms rethink outsourcing and remote hiring to avoid the fee.

The intention? According to the proclamation, the goal is to “protect American workers and restore balance to the high-skill visa system.”

But critics argue it could cripple innovation and drive talent away from the U.S.

3. What is the Minimum H-1B Salary?

The Department of Labor sets a Prevailing Wage requirement to ensure that H-1B workers are not underpaid compared to U.S. counterparts.

As of 2025:

The minimum salary for an H-1B worker depends on:

• Job role

• Experience level

• Location

For instance:

• Entry-level software engineers in San Francisco may earn a minimum of $85,000 - $100,000

• Senior-level roles can cross $140,000+

The new fee might also indirectly push salaries up, as employers may demand greater ROI per hire.

4. What Percentage of H-1B Visas Get Approved?

It’s a valid concern. After all, the application process is not only expensive but also highly competitive.

In recent years:

• FY 2022: ~97% approval rate

• FY 2023: Slight dip due to stricter reviews

• FY 2024: Stabilized at around 95%

However, approval doesn’t guarantee selection. There’s also the H-1B lottery, where only 85,000 total visas (65,000 regular + 20,000 for master’s degree holders) are granted annually — while hundreds of thousands apply.

5. How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on an H-1B?

The standard H-1B visa is issued for three years, with a possible extension to six years.

Key points:

• After six years, the employee must leave the U.S. for at least one year before reapplying — unless they’re on track for green card sponsorship.

• If the employer starts the green card process before year five, the stay can often be extended beyond six years under AC21 provisions.

So yes, with the right employer and timing, your stay could last well beyond the six-year mark.

6. How Long Does H-1B Approval Take?

Patience is your best friend here.

Typical timeline:

• Lottery results: Announced in March/April

• Petition processing: 3 to 6 months for regular filing

• Premium Processing: ~15 days (for an extra fee)

• Start Date: October 1 (the beginning of the fiscal year)

Note: With the new $100,000 fee, companies may expect faster turnaround or clearer guidelines — though USCIS hasn’t confirmed any such benefit yet.

7. Can I Bring My Family on an H-1B Visa?

Absolutely! Your family can join you in the U.S. through the H-4 dependent visa.

Who qualifies?

• Spouse

• Children under 21

Perks of H-4:

• They can attend school

• Some H-4 spouses (if the H-1B holder is pursuing a green card) can apply for work authorization

However, H-4 visa holders cannot work by default — unless they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

8. Which Country Has the Highest U.S. Visa Approval Rate?

Interesting trivia — and a bit surprising too!

Based on recent consular reports:

• Canada tops the list with one of the highest approval rates for U.S. visas.

• Other countries with high H-1B approval rates include:

  • India (by volume, though scrutiny is higher)

  • Australia

  • Germany

  • Singapore

Applicants from countries with stable political environments, strong ties to home countries, and a history of compliance with U.S. immigration rules tend to have higher chances of success.

9. What This Means for the Tech Industry

The tech sector may feel the pinch more than others.

Startups and mid-size firms — often the incubators of innovation — may now struggle to afford top global talent.

Large corporations with deeper pockets might weather the storm, but even they will rethink the ROI of each foreign hire.

Outcomes we may see:

• Rise in remote work contracts for global employees

• More companies establishing satellite offices abroad

• Reduced interest in U.S. jobs from global talent

And long-term? Possibly a brain drain, with skilled workers flocking to countries with friendlier immigration policies — like Canada, Germany, or the UK.

10. Final Thoughts: Should You Still Consider the H-1B Route?

Let’s be real — the $100,000 annual fee is a major curveball.

But here’s the bottom line:

✅ If you’re a highly skilled professional, you’ll remain in demand
✅ If your employer values your contribution, they might still sponsor you
❌ But if you're in an early-stage career or less niche role, the road just got tougher

Ultimately, the H-1B visa is still a golden ticket to working in the U.S. — but it's no longer easy to access. The landscape is shifting, and it's more crucial than ever to stay informed, skilled, and proactive.