Trump’s Announcement Sparks Panic
US President Donald Trump’s proclamation on September 20, mandating a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, triggered widespread anxiety among immigrants and foreign students. Many international students currently studying or working in the US under the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme feared the rule would make their transition to H-1B visas prohibitively expensive.
White House Clarifies Scope
The White House sought to calm concerns with a statement on Saturday, confirming that the new rule applies only to fresh H-1B visa applications in the upcoming lottery cycle. According to the memorandum released by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the policy “does not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to or from the United States.”
This means students already holding an F-1 visa, or workers renewing their H-1B status, are exempt from the new $100,000 fee.
Relief, But New Challenges Ahead
While the clarification offers temporary relief to F-1 students, uncertainty lingers. Many rely on transitioning from OPT to H-1B visas after securing jobs. For them, the new rule means facing a six-figure application fee if they are part of the upcoming lottery cycle. For fresh graduates, this could act as a significant barrier to employment in the US.
Impact on International Students
The steep fee could discourage employers from sponsoring fresh graduates on F-1 visas, reducing opportunities for foreign talent in US companies. Universities and student advocacy groups are already warning of potential declines in international admissions if pathways from study to employment shrink further.
Outlook for F-1 Holders
For now, F-1 visa holders can breathe easier knowing their current status and travel rights remain unaffected. But as the new H-1B cycle approaches, they face a difficult reality: unless the policy changes, transitioning from student life to professional careers in the US could become an expensive gamble.
