US clarifies $100,000 H-1B fee won't apply to status changes or extensions

In a major relief for H-1B visa aspirants, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that the newly announced USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee will not apply to applicants seeking a change of status or extension of stay within the United States.

- TDG NETWORK

According to the updated guidelines issued on Monday (local time), the hefty fee applies only to new petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, for beneficiaries outside the US who do not hold a valid H-1B visa. Applicants already in the US on a different visa — such as F-1 (students) or L-1 (intra-company transfers) — can switch to H-1B status internally with