H‑1B FAQ

H‑1B FAQThe White House released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document following President Trump’s proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” clarifying how the new H‑1B reforms will work.What the Proclamation Does:Requires a $100,000 payment for all new H‑1B petitions submitted on or after Sept. 21, 2025, including the 2026 lottery.Directs DHS and the State Department to coordinate implementation.USCIS, Customs and Border Protection, and the State Department have already issued guidance.What It Does NOT Do:Does not apply to existing H‑1B visas or petitions submitted before Sept. 21, 2025.Does not affect H‑1B renewals (no extra fee).Does not restrict current H‑1B holders from traveling in and out of the U.S.Next Steps in Reform:Department of Labor will initiate rulemaking to raise prevailing wage levels.DHS will reform the lottery to prioritize higher‑paid, highly skilled applicants over lower‑wage applicants.Further reforms are under consideration and will be announced in the coming months.Big Picture:This FAQ frames the new H‑1B policy as targeted, incremental reform: raising financial thresholds, protecting American workers, and reshaping the visa to favor elite talent and high‑wage positions rather than mass outsourcing.