On Sept. 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule amending its regulations governing the process by which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects H-1B registrations. The proposed rule would implement a weighted selection process that would generally favor higher-skilled and paid foreign workers.
The proposed rule follows a recent presidential proclamation, signed on Sept. 19, 2025, announcing a new $100,000 entry fee for each new H-1B visa recipient starting Sept. 21, 2025. According to the Trump administration, the increased fee aims to curb abuses of the H-1B system that may disadvantage the U.S. workforce and lead to wage suppression. The proclamation does not change any required fees in connection with H-1B renewals. More information about the new fee can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
