White House Clarifies: New H-1B Visa Fee Won’t Affect Existing Holders

Washington, September 2025 — The White House has confirmed that the recently announced H-1B visa fee increase will only apply to new applicants and not to existing visa holders, easing concerns among thousands of skilled foreign workers already employed in the United States.

Policy Clarification

Officials emphasized that the adjustment is part of a broader immigration reform effort aimed at modernizing the visa system and generating additional revenue to support application processing. However, they reassured that those currently holding valid H-1B visas will not face retroactive charges.

Protecting Skilled Workers

The H-1B program, which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare, has long been a focal point in immigration debates. Tech firms, in particular, had raised concerns that higher costs could discourage talent mobility and strain innovation pipelines.

Industry Reactions

Business leaders welcomed the clarification, noting it reduces uncertainty for companies and employees alike. Immigration experts say the move will likely ease anxiety in the tech sector, where H-1B workers make up a large portion of the workforce.

What Comes Next

While current visa holders are exempt, future applicants should expect higher filing fees when the policy takes effect. The administration is expected to release additional details on implementation in the coming weeks.