The newly announced $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions has sparked intense discussion in recent days. For those outside the United States, the change may seem negative at first. However, for international students already in the U.S. — or those planning to study here — the situation is very different. In this article, you’ll understand what actually changed, how this new fee works, and why studying in the U.S. continues to be one of the most strategic ways to build a long-term career in the country.

What is the new H-1B visa fee?

In September 2025, the U.S. government announced a one-time $100,000 fee for companies that want to hire professionals who do not currently live in the United States through the H-1B visa program.

The most important part is:

This fee does NOT apply to international students on an F-1 visa who are already in the U.S. and transition to the H-1B from within the country.

In other words, the biggest impact is on applicants who are still abroad. For those who are already legally studying in the U.S., the process remains exactly the same — with no additional cost.

For official information, visit the USCIS website:
https://www.uscis.gov/

What changes for international students

This new rule reinforces the value of F-1 international students within the American job market. Here are the key points:

1. Companies will prioritize candidates already in the U.S.

With the elevated fee, hiring someone from abroad has become significantly more expensive. For this reason, F-1 students — especially recent graduates — become far more attractive and accessible candidates for employers.

2. No additional fee for current F-1 students

If you’re studying English, completing a degree, or recently graduated, your transition to the H-1B remains the same, with no extra charges.

3. Studying in the U.S. is now even more strategic

American schools and universities have become an even stronger gateway for those who want to build a long-term career in the U.S.

In summary:
international students are now even more valuable within the U.S. job market.

How this impacts future students

If you are planning to start your studies in the United States, this change highlights an important advantage:
entering the country as a student is now one of the safest and most strategic pathways toward working in the U.S. in the future.

Studying at an accredited institution, such as Lumos, ensures you are on the right path toward future professional opportunities.

Learn about our English programs:
👉 https://lumos.edu/
Learn more about our school:
👉 https://lumos.edu/about-us/

If you’d like to understand even more about why the U.S. continues to be the strongest destination for academic and professional growth, we recommend reading our full article on the topic:
👉 https://lumos.edu/why-the-u-s-is-still-the-best-destination-for-international-students-in-2025/

Conclusion

Even with the recent immigration changes, studying in the United States remains one of the safest and most strategic ways for international students to pursue long-term professional opportunities. The new H-1B fee does not harm international students — on the contrary, it increases the value of those who are already in the U.S. contributing academically and professionally.

If you already study or plan to study at Lumos, our team is ready to guide you through the F-1 visa, academic planning, and post-study career opportunities.

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