White House Extends $100K H-1B Entry Fee, Adds Layoff Scrutiny

NewsData.io · United States · Oct 1, 2026

On September 18, 2026, the White House issued an executive order and presidential proclamation significantly tightening the H-1B program. The proclamation extends the $100,000 entry payment requirement through September 21, 2027, though collection remains paused due to ongoing federal litigation. The executive order directs multiple agencies to coordinate scrutiny of H-1B petitions, with particular focus on employers that have conducted recent layoffs or plan workforce reductions while maintaining H-1B sponsorship. Staffing and outsourcing firms sponsoring H-1B workers face heightened compliance risk, especially those that have reduced U.S. headcount, and should audit their labor condition applications and evaluate whether beneficiaries abroad can secure admission under the new restrictions.