White House debunks fake news around H1-B visa fee proclamation in new post

The official Rapid Response and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have debunked fake news and claims around President Trump's new visa fee hike.

Updated on: Sep 21, 2025, 05:08:47 IST

By HT News Desk

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Amid the confusion and panic caused by the new proclamation for H-1B visa, the White House has issued an official clarification on Saturday. In a post on X, the official Rapid Response page for the Trump administration has debunked fake news and claims around President Trump's new visa fee hike.

In its post, the White House has clarified that the new $100k mandate will only impact new applicants. The Trump administration further added that the new visa proclamation will not impact the current lottery. (AP)

Also Read | $100,000 toll on H-1B American dream

On Friday, Donald Trump signed a proclamation, raising the fees for companies to sponsor an H-1B visa to $100,000. This move comes as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration as well as creating jobs for American workers. Follow H-1B visa live updates here

White House slams fake news, issues clarification

In its post, the White House has clarified that the new $100k mandate will only impact new applicants. The Trump administration further added that the new visa proclamation will not impact the current lottery.

Furthermore, the proclamation will also not impact the ability of any visa holder to travel to and from the United States.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also issued a similar clarification on post. Taking to X, the press secretary stated that the mandate will only apply to new H1-B visa holders. Leavitt also stated the following points -

1.) This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.

2.) Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter. H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation.

Reiterating the White House's statement, the press secretary stated that this new mandate will be first applied in the next upcoming lottery cycle.

USCIS also issues clarification

Following multiple clarifications from the White House and officials, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency has also issued a clarification.

Taking to X, ICE stated that the H1-B visa fee mandate will be applicable to new applicants.

“President Trump’s new H-1B visa requirement applies only to NEW, prospective petitions that have not yet been filed. Petitions submitted prior to September 21, 2025 are not affected,” the agency wrote on X.

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HT News Desk
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