Big Relief in US Visa Rules: These People Won’t Pay $100,000 Fee
Washington | October 21, 2025 | www.deccanlive.com
In a major relief for visa holders, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that certain applicants will no longer have to pay the hefty $100,000 fee for changing or renewing their visa status.
According to the latest USCIS guidelines, international students holding F-1 visas and professionals on L-1 visas will not be required to pay any additional fee when changing their visa status. Similarly, individuals who already hold H-1B visas will be exempted from paying the $100,000 renewal fee.
The clarification comes after a recent decision by former President Donald Trump, who had announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications starting September 21. Following that announcement, confusion spread among visa holders and applicants about who would be affected.
To clear the confusion, the USCIS stated that those who already possess valid visas or applied before September 21 will not be charged the new fee. Additionally, students or professionals switching from F-1 or L-1 visas to H-1B visas will also be exempt from the payment.
The guidelines further explained that if an individual’s L-1 or F-1 visa has expired and they have left the US, they will not need to pay the $100,000 fee when applying for renewal or for a new H-1B visa.
This decision is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of students and professionals who were concerned about the steep visa charges introduced under the previous administration.
