Overview

• The policy took effect Sunday and is a one-time payment per petition that does not apply to renewals or current H‑1B holders, and existing visa holders abroad can reenter without paying the fee.
• The White House says the charge will first apply to the next H‑1B lottery cycle, limiting the new cost to future filings rather than previously submitted petitions.
• The proclamation instructs Labor and Homeland Security to issue joint guidance on verification and enforcement and allows case-by-case national-interest exemptions.
• An analysis published Monday estimates employers could face roughly $14 billion a year in added costs if application volumes hold, with tech firms and startups warning of competitiveness risks.
• Legal experts argue the president lacks authority to impose such a fee and expect court challenges, as companies weigh litigation and seek agency clarification.