$103,265 for an H-1B? Trump administration proposes new fee
DHS unveiled a new proposed rule that would impose a $103,265 fee on H-1B petitions subject to the annual statutory cap. The agency says the fee would help cover the federal government’s costs of administering the immigration system across DHS, DOJ, State, and Labor. The move follows a federal judge’s June ruling that struck down the administration’s earlier $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax that only Congress can impose.
Unlike the original proposal, universities, hospitals, and research institutions would be exempt this time. Critics note the prior fee caused a nearly 90% drop in filings and a $28 million revenue loss, and argue employers are unlikely to risk six-figure sums with no guarantee of approval. The public will have 30 days to comment once the rule is published in чthe Federal Register.
Immigrant visa appointments suddenly paused worldwide
The State Department has paused immigrant visa appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates globally, citing a newly launched training initiative for consular officers. Officials say the training is meant to help staff more consistently screen applicants, including for potential dependence on U.S. public benefits. Applicants with scheduled interviews are reportedly being notified that their appointments are being rescheduled, with new dates to follow.
The pause comes amid a broader immigration crackdown that has included visa and green card revocations. It also follows a separate court ruling last week that struck down a related administration policy suspending immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries, with a judge finding it exceeded the Secretary of State’s statutory authority.
Up to 200,000 visas could be revoked in new immigration move
The State Department, coordinating with DHS, plans to revoke the non-immigrant B1/B2 visas of foreign nationals who entered the U.S. as short-term visitors between 2016 and 2026 and later filed for asylum. Reporting citing state department documents puts the potential number affected at up to 200,000, which would be the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history.
Revocation would not automatically trigger deportation; most pending asylum cases would instead lose business or tourism status while remaining in process. Officials have described asylum claims as often “frivolous,” and the department says it has already revoked more than 175,000 visas under the current administration. The policy is part of a wider immigration crackdown that continues to face legal challenges.
Takeaway
Immigration policy is shifting rapidly, with new fees, appointment delays, and mass visa actions affecting employers, families, and travelers alike. Staying informed — and getting ahead of deadlines — matters more than ever.
Don’t leave your immigration or business matters to chance. Shamayev Business Law offers a Free case evaluation to help you understand your options and determine the right next steps.
This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It summarizes publicly available news reports as of August 28, 2026, and does not reflect any developments occurring after that date. Agency guidance, proposed rules, and policy actions described here — including the proposed H-1B fee, the visa appointment pause, and planned asylum-related visa revocations — may change, be litigated, or be withdrawn. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this post or by contacting the firm through this website. For advice regarding your particular situation, please consult a licensed attorney.
