Administration tries again to charge expensive H-1B visa fees

The Department of Homeland Security released a proposed rule to establish a new $103,265 filing fee for H-1B visa petitions that are subject to statutory numerical caps, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The proposed fee is separate from last year’s $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas ─ including those held by advanced practice and other highly skilled nurses ─ established by a presidential proclamation. In July, a federal court blocked the implementation of the presidential proclamation; a federal government appeal remains pending. Cap-exempt visa applications would not be subject to the $103,265 fee, DHS said. The department will accept comments on the proposal until Sept. 24. The American Hospital Association issued a Regulatory Advisory to members; questions can be sent to aonladvocacy@aha.org. (AHA News article, 8/24/26)