Trump’s $100K Visa Fee Hits H-1B Workers Only – J-1 Applicants Not Affected

President Donald Trump’s latest immigration proclamation, which takes effect September 21, 2025, has introduced a hefty $100,000 fee for employers sponsoring foreign workers under the H-1B visa program. The measure, however, does not apply to J-1 visa applicants, bringing some relief to students, exchange visitors, and teachers planning to travel to the United States.

Details of the Rule

The proclamation, titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers”, requires that H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S. be supplemented with a $100,000 payment before entry will be permitted.

It takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, and will remain in force for 12 months, unless extended by the White House.

The rule is aimed at discouraging what the Trump administration describes as “abuse of the H-1B program” and to prioritize American workers.

Who Is Affected?

H-1B visa holders outside the U.S., including professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare, will face restrictions unless their employers pay the new fee.

J-1 visa applicants are not included. This means Ghanaians traveling for academic exchange, research, teaching, and cultural programs under the J-1 program can continue their applications without fear of this new charge.

Legal experts stress that the proclamation specifically names H-1B visas, with no reference to J-1 or other visa categories.

Reaction and Outlook

Business groups and tech companies have criticized the fee, saying it will deter talent and put smaller firms at a disadvantage.

Immigration lawyers expect legal challenges, arguing that imposing such a fee without Congress may be unlawful.

For Ghanaian professionals:

Those seeking H-1B jobs in the U.S. will face tougher hurdles unless employers are ready to pay the fee.

Those applying for J-1 programs, such as teachers or students under exchange schemes, remain unaffected for now.

Closing

While Trump’s new visa fee has rattled the global job market, Ghanaians aiming for U.S. opportunities under the J-1 visa program can breathe easier — at least for now, they remain outside the scope of this controversial policy.