Do H-1B Fee Waivers Exist In Practice?

March 2, 2026 · WOWERI

Over five months have passed since President Donald Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for some H-1B petitions. Immigration attorneys say the administration hasn't adjudicated fee exemption requests, leaving them uncertain about the waiver's reality. More information on the H-1B petition fee situation.

Introduction to H-1B Fee

Over five months have passed since President Donald Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for some H-1B petitions. This measure was aimed at reducing the burden on the immigration system and increasing budget revenue. However, immigration attorneys say the administration hasn't adjudicated fee exemption requests, leaving them uncertain about the waiver's reality.

Reality of Fee Waiver

Attorneys doubt the reality of the fee waiver. They believe the administration is not providing sufficient information on the waiver process and is not considering exemption requests. This creates uncertainty and complicates the H-1B petition process.

Impact on Applicants

The uncertainty surrounding the fee waiver can have serious consequences for applicants. If the fee waiver is not real, it may lead to increased costs for filing H-1B petitions and a decrease in the number of applicants. This, in turn, can have negative consequences for the economy and business.

Conclusion

The situation with H-1B petitions and the fee remains uncertain. Immigration attorneys urge the administration to provide more detailed information on the waiver process and start considering exemption requests. Until this situation is resolved, applicants should be prepared for possible changes in the H-1B petition process.

Sources:

• Law360: Do H-1B Fee Waivers Exist In Practice? Attys Have Doubts

Source: law360.com