Overview

• President Donald Trump’s proclamation took effect September 21, applying the $100,000 surcharge only to new H‑1B petitions and not to current holders or routine renewals, according to official clarifications.
• Uncertainty persists over transfers and other categories, and The Hindu notes a waiver clause for projects deemed of national importance.
• The abrupt rollout prompted confusion and urgent corporate advisories, with reports of employees rushing to return to the U.S. before the effective date.
• Employers face steep new costs that analysts say could accelerate offshoring, strain startups, and reshape hiring, with heavy users like Amazon potentially facing large added outlays.
• Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly framed the shift as an opportunity to attract skilled workers, as Germany and the UK also court talent and immigration lawyers prepare legal challenges to the fee’s authority.