Overview

• The White House clarified the $100,000 charge applies only to new H‑1B petitions filed on or after September 21 and does not cover current holders or routine renewals.
• Employers are reassessing hiring plans and considering offshoring or remote options as each new H‑1B hire now carries a six‑figure surcharge.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada sees an opportunity to attract workers who would previously have secured H‑1B visas and pledged a clear offering.
• Think tank Build Canada urged swift action, proposing a closed work permit for U.S. H‑1B employees to live in Canada while working for their U.S. employers and extra Express Entry points for top‑university graduates.
• Immigration lawyers expect court challenges to the proclamation over authority and process, while Germany and the UK position themselves to draw affected skilled workers.