New Visa Fee Is Here: $100,000 to Hire Foreign Talent—Are Employers Ready?

As Hiring Costs Spike, What Does This Mean for the Future of U.S. Innovation and Global Talent Acquisition?

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter! We're here to keep you informed about the latest shifts in immigration policies that could impact your career and future in the U.S. As employers brace for the new $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, we invite you to consider: How will these changes influence your plans in the job market? Prepare to delve into the implications of these updates and what they mean for the global talent landscape.

🚦 Visa Fee Alert: The Big $100K Shift

Hey grads! Big news in visa land:

• New fee: Employers now face a whopping $100,000 application fee per H-1B visa starting September 21, 2025. This significant change, signed by President Donald Trump, imposes a one-time application fee which will greatly increase costs for employers hiring foreign talent.
• What's driving costs: Along with the hefty application fee, the Department of Labor is expected to raise prevailing wage standards for H-1B workers, adding further financial burdens on employers. This could discourage businesses from sponsoring international talent. Learn more here: Trump Administration Signs Proclamation Declaring New $100,000 Fee for H-1B Visa Applications.

But that’s not all!

• Deportation Policies: As of September 2025, deportation targets have surged to 3,000 per day due to new measures enacted. The Trump administration has manipulated legal processes, leading to immediate detentions post-court rulings, and approximately 300,000 immigrants are at risk from expedited removal policies without court oversight. This turbulent landscape complicates the already challenging immigration environment for individuals like you who have studied in the U.S. and wish to remain here. More details can be found in this article: Trump Immigration Policies Lead to Rapid Deportations.

Lastly, don’t forget about the changes to the civics test for citizenship:

• The U.S. has reverted to the 2020 civics test format, which now requires applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions selected from a pool of 128 questions. This change amplifies the scrutiny on applicants and will affect those applying for citizenship after mid-October. For more insight, check out: U.S. Adding More Questions to Citizenship Test.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and let’s navigate these changes together!

💡 Immigration System Shake-Up

Heads up: Major immigration changes underway:

• Fast-track deportations: As of September 2025, deportation targets have surged to 3,000 per day due to policies initiated by Stephen Miller. This alarming shift in immigration enforcement is a direct result of the administration's focus on expedited removals, with potentially devastating consequences for many.

• Court chaos: Approximately 300,000 immigrants are at risk under these new expedited removal policies, facing the possibility of being removed without full court oversight. The case of asylum seekers like EC, who believed in a favorable ruling only to be detained immediately afterward, exemplifies the unpredictability introduced into the immigration system. Individuals who have spent years establishing their lives in the U.S. could face immediate deportation, complicating their paths to safety and security.

• Legal system shift: The removal of over 100 immigration judges, many based on political alignments, is undermining the integrity of the immigration court system. These changes threaten judicial independence and transform the court environment into one that emphasizes rapid deportation over due process, creating fears among legal practitioners that justice may no longer be served effectively.

• Why this matters: The immigration system is increasingly seen as a barrier to justice rather than a mechanism for protection and fair process. Therefore, understanding these changes and their implications is crucial for immigrants who wish to secure their futures in the U.S. Stay updated on these critical shifts by reading more about the Trump administration's policies leading to these upheavals: Trump Immigration Policies Lead to Rapid Deportations.

💪 Citizenship Challenge: Crack the Test

PSA for citizenship candidates:

• New civics test cases: Get ready to answer 12 out of 20 from 128 questions! The Trump administration is reinstating a more challenging civics test for citizenship applicants, reversing previous changes that made it easier. This adjustment means you'll need to study hard to prepare for these questions and succeed in securing your citizenship. For more details, check out the article: U.S. Adding More Questions to Citizenship Test.

• Enhanced scrutiny: Brace for moral character checks and neighborhood visits. The new measures also include expanded scrutiny on applicants' moral character, with additional potential background checks that could impact your citizenship application process.

• The big question: Will stricter requirements affect your citizenship plans? With these intensified measures, it's crucial for you to stay informed and prepared. Knowing the landscape of new challenges can help you navigate your path to citizenship effectively.

Stay proactive and ensure you’re ready for these changes to avoid any pitfalls in your citizenship journey!