10 Best Practices for Avoiding the $100,000 H-1B Fee this Cap Season

The guidance below is intended to help employers and employees navigate the H-1B filing process, avoid potential pitfalls, and provide clarity regarding if and when the $100,000 fee may apply to a particular petition. However, we strongly recommend discussing the specific facts of each individual case with your attorney at D&S. 

Why is The H-1B Filing Process This Year Different?

In addition to the changes in the H-1B lottery discussed here, the introduction of the $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions has made the post-selection phase of the H-1B cap process more nuanced than in prior years. The new rules governing the $100,000 H-1B fee mean that routine cap-season decisions, such as filing strategy, employee location and status at the time of filing, and international travel during the filing process, now require even more deliberate planning. 

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USCIS Updates Website to Include Additional Clarifications Regarding new $100,000 H-1B Fee

What’s Happening

On October 20, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) updated the H-1B Specialty Occupation page of its website with additional information about the new $100,000 H-1B fee, including additional clarification on its scope, how the fee can be paid, and how National Interest Exceptions can be requested.

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