In a move that has shaken the global skilled-worker community, the United States government has announced new restrictions on the H-1B visa—a program long regarded as the most coveted pathway for foreign professionals to work in America’s tech and innovation sectors.
The proclamation, signed on September 19, 2025, introduces a $100,000 supplemental payment requirement for all new H-1B visa petitions and tightens entry for citizens of specific countries.
What the New H-1B Policy Means?
According to the “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” proclamation issued by the White House, employers sponsoring foreign workers under the H-1B program must now pay an additional $100,000 supplemental fee for every new petition filed.
This rule applies to:
- All new H-1B visa applications submitted for workers outside the United States.
- Existing H-1B holders are not immediately affected unless they leave the U.S. and reapply for entry.
The stated purpose of this new fee is to “ensure that American workers are not displaced by underpaid foreign labor” and to “prioritize U.S. employment stability.” However, immigration analysts warn that it could severely limit access for small and medium-sized tech companies that rely heavily on international talent.
Countries Fully Banned from U.S. Visa Entry
Alongside the H-1B financial restriction, a broader entry ban was enacted earlier in June 2025, targeting nationals of several countries. Citizens of 12 countries are now fully barred from entering the United States under any nonimmigrant or immigrant visa category—including H-1B—unless they qualify for a special exemption.
Full Visa Ban (12 Countries) for H-1B Visa:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Applicants from these nations currently cannot obtain H-1B visas or enter the U.S. for employment or study purposes.
Countries Under Partial Visa Restrictions
In addition to the full ban, 7 countries face partial restrictions, affecting certain visa categories such as tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F, M, J), and exchange visas. Fortunately, the H-1B category remains exempt from these partial restrictions.
Partial Restrictions (7 Countries) for H-1B Visa:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Citizens from these nations may still be eligible for H-1B employment visas, though other travel routes remain limited.
Who Is Still Eligible for H-1B in 2026?
Despite the new $100,000 surcharge, most countries—including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, China, and EU member states—remain eligible for the H-1B program. However, the new cost burden could change how employers choose candidates, favoring only those in high-demand technical or scientific fields where wages can offset the added expense.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that applications already in process before the proclamation date will proceed under the old fee structure.
Key Takeaways
- New H-1B Supplemental Fee: $100,000 per new petition (for workers outside the U.S.)
- Effective Date: September 19, 2025
- Existing H-1B holders: Unaffected unless they exit and reapply
- 12 Countries: Fully banned from all U.S. visa entries
- 7 Countries: Partially restricted (H-1B still allowed)
- Goal: Prioritize U.S. labor market protection and reduce visa misuse.
Final Thoughts
The H-1B program has long symbolized America’s global leadership in attracting skilled professionals. The new $100,000 supplemental fee—paired with expanded entry bans—marks a dramatic shift in policy that could reshape international migration patterns in 2026 and beyond.
For employers and skilled workers alike, the message is clear: entering the U.S. job market just got far more expensive—and selective.
Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/.