India, Oct. 22 -- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that the recently introduced $1,00,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions will not apply to individuals seeking a change of immigration status or an extension of stay within the US.

The clarification comes in response to President Donald Trump's proclamation signed on September 19, titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Non-immigrant Workers," which significantly raised the cost of securing new H-1B visas for foreign workers. The proclamation is set to impact applications submitted on or after 12.01 am EDT on September 21, 2025.

According to USCIS, the elevated fee will only apply to initial H1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals outside the US. Those alr...