Overview

• The White House said the $100,000 H‑1B charge is a one‑time fee that applies only to new applications, not renewals or current holders.
• The decree empowers Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to exempt individuals, companies or entire sectors from the new charges.
• Confusion persists over whether the fee is annual after a “per year” remark by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, language not reflected in the decree.
• India’s tech body Nasscom warned the rapid rollout could disrupt projects, noting that Indian nationals account for roughly three quarters of H‑1B approvals.
• A separate ‘gold card’ offers expedited residency processing for $1 million from individuals or $2 million with employer sponsorship.