The US H-1B visa program has long been the lifeline for skilled foreign workers in technology and other industries. But in late 2025, sweeping new changes are reshaping the system. What is the new rule for H-1B visa holders, and how will it impact workers and employers? Two major reforms—a new $100,000 fee and a proposed wage-based lottery—are set to define the future of this visa pathway.
What is the $100,000 H-1B petition fee?
Effective September 21, 2025, employers filing new H-1B petitions must pay a one-time $100,000 fee. This rule applies primarily to workers outside the United States seeking to enter on an H-1B visa. Current holders renewing or extending their visas are exempt. The proclamation is set to last 12 months, ending September 20, 2026, unless extended. This fee dramatically raises the barrier to entry for new applicants, particularly startups and smaller companies.
What is the wage-based lottery proposal?
The Department of Homeland Security has also proposed a shift from a random lottery to a wage-based weighted lottery. Under this system, applicants with higher-paying job offers will receive better odds of selection. For example, Level 4 wage positions would get four entries, while Level 1 would get just one. If finalized, this rule would likely go into effect for the FY 2027 lottery beginning in March 2026.
How will this impact international workers?
The new rules favor highly skilled, mid-career, and senior professionals over entry-level workers. Recent graduates from US universities, often classified in lower wage levels, could find it much harder to secure H-1B visas. On the flip side, US companies seeking top talent may find the program better aligned with their hiring goals.
What other changes are happening to the H-1B program?
Earlier in 2025, USCIS implemented beneficiary-centric selection to prevent multiple employers from submitting duplicate registrations for the same worker. The Department of Labor is also revising prevailing wage rules upward, while launching enforcement initiatives such as Project Firewall to crack down on abuse of the program.
Conclusion
What is the new rule for H-1B visa holders in 2025? In short, the program is shifting toward higher costs and stricter standards. The $100,000 petition fee and the proposed wage-based lottery are reshaping the landscape, favoring established professionals over entry-level talent. For employers and workers alike, these changes mark a turning point in the US immigration system—one that could influence global talent flows for years to come.
