A new report claims the $100,000 H-1B visa fee has not reduced visa numbers, sparking debate among experts over its real impact on immigration.
A report has claimed that the $100,000 H-1B visa fee introduced in 2025 has not reduced visa numbers, as many applicants are already in the United States. The analysis found that a significant portion of beneficiaries are on other visa categories and are exempt from the fee.
According to the report, about 54 per cent of H-1B beneficiaries were already in the US, meaning they do not pay the fee. “There will be 85,000 quota visas this year… The $100,000 fee had no effect on that number,” the analysis stated, noting the annual cap remains unchanged.
However, critics challenged the findings, arguing the policy could still reduce new entrants and harm the economy. One expert said limiting visas for those outside the US could cut access to foreign talent, warning the measure may affect overall labour supply despite unchanged approval numbers.