Overview

• The White House clarified the $100,000 charge is a one‑time fee on newly filed H‑1B petitions and does not apply to existing visa holders.
• DHS formally proposed prioritizing higher‑paid applicants for scarce H‑1B slots, with a public comment window now open and entry‑level candidates likely to face tougher odds.
• Companies are curbing new sponsorships, with Hexaware pausing applications and Coforge filing far fewer petitions, while analysts say current H‑1B workers have gained bargaining power.
• Research universities and medical centers, though cap‑exempt, estimate potential costs exceeding $10 million annually if prior hiring levels continue under the new fee.
• India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it is engaged with U.S. officials and industry as rules are finalized, emphasizing the economic benefits of skilled talent mobility.