Overview

• The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 21, 2025, conditioning admission under H‑1B on a $100,000 payment per petition for a 12‑month period, subject to exceptions yet to be detailed.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the policy is intended to steer companies away from training foreign hires and toward U.S. workers, as the White House directs the Labor Department to review prevailing wage rules.
• A new “gold card” route offers accelerated processing toward residency for a $1 million individual payment or $2 million if sponsored by a company.
• Separate reports describe a proposed “platinum” tier priced at $5 million that would require congressional approval and could allow up to 270 days in the U.S. without U.S. tax on non‑U.S. income.
• Tech and outsourcing firms saw share declines following the announcement, and the move accompanies pending visa‑integrity steps such as a $250 nonimmigrant fee, fewer interview waivers, a refundable bond pilot, and a higher ESTA charge.