Overview

• USC advised employees on H‑1B status to postpone international travel until further guidance, reflecting ongoing uncertainty over implementation.
• Multiple suits filed in federal court, including by higher‑education associations and unions, argue the proclamation exceeds presidential authority and violates the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Administration guidance indicates the one‑time charge applies only to new H‑1B petitions filed on or after September 21, not to renewals or existing holders, with limited exemptions possible.
• The measure is paired with a DHS plan to prioritize higher‑wage roles in the H‑1B selection process, and the fee is slated to run for 12 months unless extended.
• Employers and PEOs are reassessing hiring, exploring alternatives such as O‑1 and L‑1 visas or offshore options, while tech leaders and overseas hubs signal the change could shift talent away from the U.S.