<h1>One-time $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions applied only prospectively to filings after Sept 21 effective date</h1> The administration announced a one-time USD 100,000 fee for H-1B petitions that applies prospectively only to new petitions filed after the proclamation's effective date (Sept 21) and will first affect the upcoming lottery cycle; petitions filed before that date, currently approved petitions, validly issued H-1B visas, renewals and holders (including those outside the United States seeking re-entry) are not subject to the fee. USCIS issued internal guidance requiring adjudicators to apply the proclamation prospectively. The measure aims to deter perceived abuses of the program and prompted significant concern among affected professionals prior to clarification.