H-1B Costs and Steps: A Simple Employer Checklist for 2025
The H-1B process can feel complicated, especially for HR teams working on tight hiring timelines. Understanding each step and the associated costs helps employers budget accurately, set expectations, and avoid surprises. This simplified checklist outlines the core stages of the H-1B process and provides a running total of typical fees at each point. It is […]
Why the New H-1B Lottery Proposal Could Complicate Hiring — and Why Legal Guidance Matters
A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposal under the Trump administration would change how H-1B visas are awarded. The goal is to prioritize “the most-skilled and highest-earning” foreign workers. However, many business and policy experts warn that the plan could have the opposite effect, making it harder for employers to hire the talent they […]
New $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visa Petitions — What Employers and H-1B Workers Need to Know
What Happened On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation under authorities including 8 U.S.C. §§ 1182(f) and 1185(a) that imposes a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions. The fee applies to H-1B petitions filed on behalf of foreign nationals outside the United States. The Proclamation instructs that such petitions must be “accompanied or […]
What is the H-1B cap?
The H-1B cap represents the maximum number of H-1B visas that the U.S. can issue each year. That annual limit is 65,000 visas, plus 20,000 visas reserved for foreign professionals who have already earned an advanced degree from a U.S. college or university. Learn more about how the cap works, who may be exempt, and […]