*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
Explore H-1B Alternatives With Manifest Law
Explore H-1B Alternatives With Manifest Law
Explore H-1B Alternatives With Manifest Law
Explore H-1B Alternatives With Manifest Law
Policy is changing rapidly — H-1B visa now has a $100,000 fee. But Manifest helps you understand your alternative options.
Policy is changing rapidly — H-1B visa now has a $100,000 fee. But Manifest helps you understand your alternative options.
Explore H-1B Alternatives With an Attorney:
O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW Visa
Explore H-1B Alternatives With an Attorney:
O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW Visa
Start Working On Credentials:
Custom case support with evidence development
Start Working On Credentials:
Custom case support with evidence development
File With Confidence:
100% Money-Back Guarantee (Terms apply)
File With Confidence:
100% Money-Back Guarantee (Terms apply)
*Read terms and conditions here.
*Read terms and conditions here.
Resources
Resources
Your Immigration Guide
Your Immigration Guide
22
22
September, 2025
3:00 PM, EST
$100K for H-1B? Live Q&A for H-1B Workers and Applicants
$100K for H-1B? Live Q&A for H-1B Workers and Applicants
Join Manifest Law’s Principal Immigration Attorney, Nicole Gunara, for a 60-minute briefing on what this means, risks to watch, and alternative visa options (O-1, EB-1A, cap-exempt H-1Bs).
Immigration attorney comments on Trump H1B news. Live updates.
Immigration attorney comments on Trump H1B news. Live updates.
On Friday, September 19th, President Donald Trump signed an executive action during a livestream event announcing his intention to implement a $100,000 application fee for first-time and renewing H-1B visa applicants.
On Friday, September 19th, President Donald Trump signed an executive action during a livestream event announcing his intention to implement a $100,000 application fee for first-time and renewing H-1B visa applicants.
Trump’s $1M Gold Card Executive Order: What You Need to Know
Trump’s $1M Gold Card Executive Order: What You Need to Know
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order outlining a “Gold Card” program. The order directs agencies to treat a $1M contribution as proof of “exceptional ability” or “national benefit."
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order outlining a “Gold Card” program. The order directs agencies to treat a $1M contribution as proof of “exceptional ability” or “national benefit."
Market Leaders
Market Leaders
Why Our Clients Trust Manifest
Why Our Clients Trust Manifest
96%
Historical approval rate**
12+ Years
Average Lawyer Experience
Supporting Talent
Employed at Apple, Meta, Google, Tesla
85+ 5-Star Reviews
High Satisfaction
Top-Tier Attorneys
~1% selection rate of applications to lawyers admitted
90,000+ Cases
Filed by our Attorneys
*Review terms and conditions here
**Average historical approval rate provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
*Review terms and conditions here
**Average historical approval rate provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
*Review terms and conditions here
**Average historical approval rate provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
*Review terms and conditions here
**Average historical approval rate provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
HANDPICKED Lawyers
Our Immigration Attorneys.
Meet our experienced immigration attorneys with thousands of visas and green cards obtained for clients.
*Total cases filed provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
HANDPICKED Lawyers
Our Immigration Attorneys.
Meet our experienced immigration attorneys with thousands of visas and green cards obtained for clients.
*Total cases filed provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
HANDPICKED Lawyers
Our Immigration Attorneys.
Meet our experienced immigration attorneys with thousands of visas and green cards obtained for clients.
*Total cases filed provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
HANDPICKED Lawyers
Our Immigration Attorneys.
Meet our experienced immigration attorneys with thousands of visas and green cards obtained for clients.
*Total cases filed provided by Manifest co-counsel in connection with cases handled with Manifest and co-counsel's prior firms.
OUR APPROVAL RATES
OUR APPROVAL RATES
Don’t Trust Us.
Trust Our Results.
Don’t Trust Us.
Trust Our Results.
While the national O-1 visa approval rate hovers around 85%, Manifest clients see approvals above 90% - consistently. That’s not luck. It’s the result of our deep specialization, data-backed strategy, and relentless focus on telling your story the way USCIS needs to hear it.
While the national O-1 visa approval rate hovers around 85%, Manifest clients see approvals above 90% - consistently. That’s not luck. It’s the result of our deep specialization, data-backed strategy, and relentless focus on telling your story the way USCIS needs to hear it.
⭐️
Manifest Co-Counsel Average*
Manifest Average*
96%
96%
🇺🇸
USCIS Approval Rate
USCIS Approval Rate
85%
85%
*Historical approval rates include cases handled by Manifest attorneys and co-counsel in connection with their work at Manifest and their current and prior law firms. Past experience does not guarantee future outcome.
*Historical approval rates include cases handled by Manifest attorneys and co-counsel in connection with their work at Manifest and their current and prior law firms. Past experience does not guarantee future outcome.
Built for Every Field
Built for Every Field
Proven Results
Across Every Sector.
What is an
EB2 NIW visa?
The O-1 isn’t a standard visa, and it shouldn’t be treated like one.
Here’s what to look for in a lawyer:
The O-1 isn’t a standard visa, and it shouldn’t be treated like one.
Here’s what to look for in a lawyer:
O-1 Approved in 14 days
Software Engineer
Software engineer who emphasized critical leadership roles and technical innovations in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Read More
EB-1 Approved in 56 days
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing and healthcare innovator who emphasized extraordinary ability through leadership, publications, awards, and international recognition.
Read More
O-1 Approved in 84 days
Psychologist
Clinical psychologist who emphasized leadership in advancing culturally responsive care, trauma-based interventions, and therapeutic frameworks.
Read More
O-1 Approved in 14 days
Software Engineer
Software engineer who emphasized critical leadership roles and technical innovations in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Read More
EB-1 Approved in 56 days
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing and healthcare innovator who emphasized extraordinary ability through leadership, publications, awards, and international recognition.
Read More
O-1 Approved in 84 days
Psychologist
Clinical psychologist who emphasized leadership in advancing culturally responsive care, trauma-based interventions, and therapeutic frameworks.
Read More
FAQ
FAQ
Trump’s $100K H-1B Fee
Trump’s $100K H-1B Fee
Answered by immigration lawyers.
Answered by immigration lawyers.
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
Law, done Better
*Representative image - not actual Manifest lawyer or client
Law, done Better
Can H-1B holders travel right now?
As of September 21, 2025, the government’s guidance is still unclear on exactly how the $100K fee will be applied. We recommend H-1B holders proceed with caution and avoid travel if possible until the government releases further official guidance.
Can H-1B holders travel right now?
As of September 21, 2025, the government’s guidance is still unclear on exactly how the $100K fee will be applied. We recommend H-1B holders proceed with caution and avoid travel if possible until the government releases further official guidance.
Can H-1B holders travel right now?
As of September 21, 2025, the government’s guidance is still unclear on exactly how the $100K fee will be applied. We recommend H-1B holders proceed with caution and avoid travel if possible until the government releases further official guidance.
Can H-1B holders travel right now?
As of September 21, 2025, the government’s guidance is still unclear on exactly how the $100K fee will be applied. We recommend H-1B holders proceed with caution and avoid travel if possible until the government releases further official guidance.
Does the $100K H-1B fee apply to H-4 dependents?
That is very unlikely because the Proclamation does not mention H-4 visa holders at all. But out of an abundance of caution, we would recommend not leaving the US for H-4 visa stamping unless absolutely necessary.
Does the $100K H-1B fee apply to H-4 dependents?
That is very unlikely because the Proclamation does not mention H-4 visa holders at all. But out of an abundance of caution, we would recommend not leaving the US for H-4 visa stamping unless absolutely necessary.
Does the $100K H-1B fee apply to H-4 dependents?
That is very unlikely because the Proclamation does not mention H-4 visa holders at all. But out of an abundance of caution, we would recommend not leaving the US for H-4 visa stamping unless absolutely necessary.
Does the $100K H-1B fee apply to H-4 dependents?
That is very unlikely because the Proclamation does not mention H-4 visa holders at all. But out of an abundance of caution, we would recommend not leaving the US for H-4 visa stamping unless absolutely necessary.
Does the $100K fee apply to a change of status to H-1B and extensions within the U.S.?
As the Proclamation and the USCIS guidance is written, it does not appear to restrict filings within the United States. So changes of status and extensions of stay should be possible without having to pay this fee. The rule restricts people’s entry into the US. If you exit the country for visa stamping and your petition was filed after the Sept. 21 deadline, the current guidance seems to indicate that you would have to pay the $100K fee upon re-entry.
Does the $100K fee apply to a change of status to H-1B and extensions within the U.S.?
As the Proclamation and the USCIS guidance is written, it does not appear to restrict filings within the United States. So changes of status and extensions of stay should be possible without having to pay this fee. The rule restricts people’s entry into the US. If you exit the country for visa stamping and your petition was filed after the Sept. 21 deadline, the current guidance seems to indicate that you would have to pay the $100K fee upon re-entry.
Does the $100K fee apply to a change of status to H-1B and extensions within the U.S.?
As the Proclamation and the USCIS guidance is written, it does not appear to restrict filings within the United States. So changes of status and extensions of stay should be possible without having to pay this fee. The rule restricts people’s entry into the US. If you exit the country for visa stamping and your petition was filed after the Sept. 21 deadline, the current guidance seems to indicate that you would have to pay the $100K fee upon re-entry.
Does the $100K fee apply to a change of status to H-1B and extensions within the U.S.?
As the Proclamation and the USCIS guidance is written, it does not appear to restrict filings within the United States. So changes of status and extensions of stay should be possible without having to pay this fee. The rule restricts people’s entry into the US. If you exit the country for visa stamping and your petition was filed after the Sept. 21 deadline, the current guidance seems to indicate that you would have to pay the $100K fee upon re-entry.
Does the $100K fee apply to cap-exempt H-1B?
The Proclamation says that people can be exempted from this fee if their job is in the “national interest.” We don’t yet know how the DHS will determine what the national interest means, but we had a similar rule during the COVID travel ban. People in strategically important fields often received a National Interest Exemption (NIE) and could still travel. We think it’s likely that some cap-exempt H1B holders will qualify for this NIE, but it may not be every single cap-exempt H1B qualifies. We have to see how this exception is applied once the rule goes into effect.
Does the $100K fee apply to cap-exempt H-1B?
The Proclamation says that people can be exempted from this fee if their job is in the “national interest.” We don’t yet know how the DHS will determine what the national interest means, but we had a similar rule during the COVID travel ban. People in strategically important fields often received a National Interest Exemption (NIE) and could still travel. We think it’s likely that some cap-exempt H1B holders will qualify for this NIE, but it may not be every single cap-exempt H1B qualifies. We have to see how this exception is applied once the rule goes into effect.
Does the $100K fee apply to cap-exempt H-1B?
The Proclamation says that people can be exempted from this fee if their job is in the “national interest.” We don’t yet know how the DHS will determine what the national interest means, but we had a similar rule during the COVID travel ban. People in strategically important fields often received a National Interest Exemption (NIE) and could still travel. We think it’s likely that some cap-exempt H1B holders will qualify for this NIE, but it may not be every single cap-exempt H1B qualifies. We have to see how this exception is applied once the rule goes into effect.
Does the $100K fee apply to cap-exempt H-1B?
The Proclamation says that people can be exempted from this fee if their job is in the “national interest.” We don’t yet know how the DHS will determine what the national interest means, but we had a similar rule during the COVID travel ban. People in strategically important fields often received a National Interest Exemption (NIE) and could still travel. We think it’s likely that some cap-exempt H1B holders will qualify for this NIE, but it may not be every single cap-exempt H1B qualifies. We have to see how this exception is applied once the rule goes into effect.
I have a valid and approved H-1B petition, and I am out of the US for visa stamping. Am I allowed to go back or do I fall under this rule?
According to the USCIS Policy Memo published today, the fee does not apply to USCIS petitions that have already been approved, so you should be ok to return to the US after stamping.
I have a valid and approved H-1B petition, and I am out of the US for visa stamping. Am I allowed to go back or do I fall under this rule?
According to the USCIS Policy Memo published today, the fee does not apply to USCIS petitions that have already been approved, so you should be ok to return to the US after stamping.
I have a valid and approved H-1B petition, and I am out of the US for visa stamping. Am I allowed to go back or do I fall under this rule?
According to the USCIS Policy Memo published today, the fee does not apply to USCIS petitions that have already been approved, so you should be ok to return to the US after stamping.
I have a valid and approved H-1B petition, and I am out of the US for visa stamping. Am I allowed to go back or do I fall under this rule?
According to the USCIS Policy Memo published today, the fee does not apply to USCIS petitions that have already been approved, so you should be ok to return to the US after stamping.
What about those who are working in US on STEM OPT & are selected for H1B lottery? They will be on H1B from 1st October. Can they not go to their home country for visa stamping?
The latest Policy Memo from USCIS clarifies that the new fee does not apply to petitions that have already been filed with USCIS. So if you have already received an approval or your petition is currently pending, then this rule does not apply to you. From an abundance of caution, we would still recommend a change of status inside the US instead of stamping at the consulate.
What about those who are working in US on STEM OPT & are selected for H1B lottery? They will be on H1B from 1st October. Can they not go to their home country for visa stamping?
The latest Policy Memo from USCIS clarifies that the new fee does not apply to petitions that have already been filed with USCIS. So if you have already received an approval or your petition is currently pending, then this rule does not apply to you. From an abundance of caution, we would still recommend a change of status inside the US instead of stamping at the consulate.
What about those who are working in US on STEM OPT & are selected for H1B lottery? They will be on H1B from 1st October. Can they not go to their home country for visa stamping?
The latest Policy Memo from USCIS clarifies that the new fee does not apply to petitions that have already been filed with USCIS. So if you have already received an approval or your petition is currently pending, then this rule does not apply to you. From an abundance of caution, we would still recommend a change of status inside the US instead of stamping at the consulate.
What about those who are working in US on STEM OPT & are selected for H1B lottery? They will be on H1B from 1st October. Can they not go to their home country for visa stamping?
The latest Policy Memo from USCIS clarifies that the new fee does not apply to petitions that have already been filed with USCIS. So if you have already received an approval or your petition is currently pending, then this rule does not apply to you. From an abundance of caution, we would still recommend a change of status inside the US instead of stamping at the consulate.
Can you travel back on AP instead of H1B?
Yes. You should also be able to travel back on an existing H-1B. The White House Press Secretary has stated that the fee will only apply to new visas. A new USCIS Policy Memo also states that the fee does not impact any petitions that were filed with USCIS before September 21.
Can you travel back on AP instead of H1B?
Yes. You should also be able to travel back on an existing H-1B. The White House Press Secretary has stated that the fee will only apply to new visas. A new USCIS Policy Memo also states that the fee does not impact any petitions that were filed with USCIS before September 21.
Can you travel back on AP instead of H1B?
Yes. You should also be able to travel back on an existing H-1B. The White House Press Secretary has stated that the fee will only apply to new visas. A new USCIS Policy Memo also states that the fee does not impact any petitions that were filed with USCIS before September 21.
Can you travel back on AP instead of H1B?
Yes. You should also be able to travel back on an existing H-1B. The White House Press Secretary has stated that the fee will only apply to new visas. A new USCIS Policy Memo also states that the fee does not impact any petitions that were filed with USCIS before September 21.
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Let's Build a Case For Your Future.
Let's Build a Case For Your Future.
Let's Build a Case For Your Future.
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