Washington: US President Donald Trump has extended the $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B visa petitions involving workers outside the United States, keeping the measure in effect until September 21, 2027.
The requirement was introduced in September 2025 and applies to specified H-1B petitions, subject to limited exemptions. Under the extended policy, employers seeking to bring eligible foreign workers to the US will continue to face the additional $100,000 payment.
The Trump administration says the measure is intended to address what it describes as misuse of the H-1B programme. Officials have particularly pointed to some IT staffing and outsourcing companies, alleging that the programme has been used to employ foreign workers at lower wages and has affected opportunities for US workers and recent STEM graduates.
The administration said more than 700 petitions had involved the $100,000 payment since the policy was introduced. It also cited a 92% decline in H-1B registrations by major IT outsourcing companies, with combined registrations falling from 24,946 to 2,055.
Review planned after next H-1B lottery
The latest proclamation directs the US departments responsible for immigration, labour and justice-related matters to review the policy following the next H-1B lottery. Officials have been asked to assess whether the restrictions should be continued or renewed.
The policy has attracted particular attention in India, which is one of the largest sources of H-1B professionals. Indian officials have previously raised concerns about the impact of restrictions on skilled workers and their families, while highlighting the role of professional mobility in technology, innovation and economic cooperation between India and the US.
With the latest extension, employers and skilled foreign professionals covered by the measure will continue to operate under the $100,000 payment requirement through September 2027, subject to the exemptions and conditions specified by the US government.
