Trump extends $100,000 H-1B visa fee order by another year

Alphabet: Alphabet is the parent company of Google and a major employer of skilled foreign workers through the H-1B program. Changes in visa scrutiny and processing have led it to expand operations in India as part of adjustments to hiring and expansion plans. White House: The White House serves as the executive office of the President of the United States and handles official communications on policy matters. It announced the one-year extension of the H-1B visa fee order on September 18, noting that the measure does not apply to certain student visa transitions or renewals. Donald Trump: Donald Trump is the President of the United States. He extended an executive order first issued in September 2025 that would impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas by another year through the White House announcement on September 18. This continues his administration's push to reform the program amid ongoing legal reviews. US Chamber of Commerce: The US Chamber of Commerce is the largest US business lobbying group representing a wide range of companies. It has challenged the H-1B fee increase in court, with one appeal currently under consideration regarding a judge's rejection of its lawsuit. Business Impact: Business groups argue that H-1B visas help address shortages of qualified US workers in certain industries despite criticisms about wage impacts. Legal Challenges: A Boston-based appeals court is reviewing a federal judge's June decision that blocked the higher H-1B fee as illegal, while another court examines the Chamber of Commerce challenge. Immigration Policy: The H-1B visa program, established by Congress in 1990, allows US employers to hire skilled foreign professionals, particularly in tech, for temporary work periods.