Kristin Dahl • September 22, 2025
H-1B Proclamation: Key Updates and FAQs
Navigating the H-1B Proclamation: Guidance for Employers
On Sept. 19, 2025, President Trump issued a H-1B Proclamation that makes major changes to the H-1B visa program. The H-1B program is a pathway many employers, including healthcare organizations, use to hire skilled international professionals such as nurses, nurse aides, and laboratory technologists.
At WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions (WWHS), we are here to help you understand these changes and plan confidently for what comes next.
This page will be updated regularly as more details are released and clarified.
What We Know
- New Fee for Employers: Starting Sept. 21, 2025, companies must pay a one-time $100,000 fee for each new H-1B application. This is a big change meant to reduce how many visas are filed.
- Current H-1B Holders Are Safe: People who already have approved H-1B visas before Sept. 21 are not affected. They can keep working and traveling, though they should travel only if truly needed.
- Applies to All H-1B Applications: Both “cap” (lottery-based) and “cap-exempt” H-1Bs could be impacted. The government may clarify details later, but for now the order is written to cover all.
- Healthcare Workers: Healthcare workers are likely to be exempt from the fee, but final confirmation is pending.
- Temporary but Could Be Extended: The order is set to last for 12 months unless extended. Lawsuits may challenge it, but for now the rule is active.
FAQs
Q: What exactly has changed with the H-1B visa program?
A: On Sept. 19, 2025, the U.S. government announced a proclamation that:
- Introduces a $100,000 one-time employer fee for each H-1B application.
- Applies to petitions filed after Sept. 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM ET.
- Is scheduled to remain in effect for 12 months, unless extended.
Q: Does this apply to all H-1B visas?
A: Yes, the proclamation currently covers both cap and cap-exempt H-1B visas. However, clarification is still pending on whether cap-exempt categories (such as healthcare) may be treated differently.
Q: Are there any exemptions to the $100,000 fee?
A: Yes. Exemptions include petitions filed before Sept. 21, 2025, already approved or issued H-1B visas, potential healthcare worker exemptions (awaiting confirmation), and possible national interest waivers at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security.
Q: Does this affect other visa types (e.g., TN, EB-3, Green Card)?
A: No. The proclamation only applies to the H-1B program at this time.
Q: Who pays the $100,000 fee?
A: The proclamation specifies that it is an employer-paid fee.
Q: Will this affect the H-1B lottery?
A: Yes, the proclamation will affect all future lottery process, unless an injunction is issued.
Q: How long will this rule apply?
A: For at least 12 months (until Sept. 21, 2026), unless the administration extends it.
Q: What if litigation blocks the fee?
A: Several industry groups are expected to challenge the fee’s legality. If courts block enforcement, we will update immediately.
Q: Will this new fee apply to Extensions or Renewals
A: No, extensions and renewals will not be impacted. Reference: "Does not change any payments or fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals. The fee is a one-time fee on submission of a new H-1B petition" - White.House.Gov H1B FAQ.
Next Steps
At WWHS, our mission is to help healthcare organizations build strong, permanent teams — even during times of policy change. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. If you have specific questions about how this Executive Order may impact your organization, please contact us here: https://client.healthstaff.org/contact-us
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