The proposed regulation was published in the Federal Register on Monday. The fee would apply to H-1 B cap-subject petitions, including petitions eligible for the advanced-degree exemption.

The move comes after a similar fee announced last year was challenged in court and subsequently stopped. The proposals, however, are not yet final. Their precise scope and implementation will depend on the formal regulations, public comments, and potential legal challenges.

If implemented, the proposal could substantially increase the cost for US employers sponsoring H-1B workers and add to the financial burden on foreign nationals seeking employment in the country. It could also affect international students transitioning from US universities into employment under programmes such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), depending on the outcome of a separate proposal.

The proposed H-1B fee is particularly significant for India. Indian-born professionals accounted for 71 per cent of H-1B beneficiaries among petitions approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2024. USCIS approved 399,402 H-1B petitions that year.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5896783&forum_id=2],#50090291)

LJL

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5896783&forum_id=2],#50090297)