US President Donald Trump sparked widespread alarm last week after announcing a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The White House has issued multiple clarifications in the ensuing days — explaining that the new rule would apply to new applications and outlining certain exemptions. Confusion has persisted despite the updates with many on social media wondering if the hefty payment would apply for people seeking H-1B visa transfer for new employment.
According to the White House, all new visa H-1B visa petitions submitted from September 21 must be accompanied by a one-time payment of $100,000. The official FAQ explained that this included the 2026 lottery and any other H-1B petitions submitted past the cutoff date. It will not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas and does not change any payments or fees required in connection with visa renewals.
Are H-1B transfers also new petitions?
“Does this mean none of us can change jobs since generally transfers are actually new petitions?” asked one Reddit user.
“I did transfer before and it was the exact same process of getting new h1b except there is no lottery. I think extension and transfer are all ‘new’ petition and it pretty much depends on how USCIS interpret it,” opined another.
“Transfer or ‘change of employer’ is a different option compared to new employment on page 2 of the form I-129. Now there hasn’t been any guidance from USCIS, so we can only speculate,” added a third.
Here’s what we know so far
Clarifications from the White House have not explicitly addressed H-1B transfer situations — prompting concern and alarm. According to an official communique it will not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas and remains unrelated to visa renewal fees. The one-time $100,000 payment will only be required for those submitting a new H-1B petition. The White House has explicitly clarified that this fee does not apply to individuals who already have valid H-1B visas.
An H-1B visa transfer comes into play when individuals who are already in the US with valid status want to change jobs. This requires a change on official records since these coveted work visas are sponsored by their American employer. But such individuals already have previously issued H-1B visas and simply need to submit a transfer petition. This process is known as an H-1B transfer or “portability” case — allowing the worker to continue employment under the transferred H-1B.
It is however pertinent to note that the policy is being updated with new details this week and additional changes may be announced. The White House has also noted that “additional reforms are also under consideration and will be announced in the coming months”. As such it is necessary to continue monitoring official channels for updates.
