<h1>President Proclamation Raises H-1B Specialty Worker Fee to $100,000 and Restricts Abroad Petitions for 12 Months</h1> The President issued a proclamation raising the H-1B specialty-worker fee to USD 100,000 effective Sept. 21, 2025, and directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to refuse petitions from beneficiaries outside the U.S. not accompanied by that payment for 12 months; the Secretary of State is to issue guidance to curb alleged misuse of B visas for H-1B work. The order exempts hires deemed in the national interest and cites alleged program abuse by outsourcing firms. The measure immediately affects large numbers of foreign IT professionals, prompted urgent travel and compliance concerns from employers and immigration counsel, and has drawn government and industry criticism regarding timing and economic impact.