Breaking Immigration Policy Changes Reshape U.S. Visa Landscape
The United States rolled out significant immigration policy changes between September and November 2025 that fundamentally alter the visa application process for millions of foreign nationals. The most dramatic change is a new $100,000 fee for H-1B work visas that took effect September 21, 2025, alongside a $1,000 immigration parole fee implemented October 16, 2025. These policy shifts represent the most substantial immigration fee increases in U.S. history.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security terminated Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan, ended automatic Employment Authorization Document extensions for many categories, and proposed cutting refugee admissions to just 7,500 for fiscal year 2026. These changes affect work visa applicants, asylum seekers, TPS beneficiaries, and employers nationwide.
Key Immigration Policy Changes in Effect Now
Here are the major immigration policy updates implemented in fall 2025:
- H-1B Visa Fee: New $100,000 one-time fee for new H-1B petitions submitted after September 21, 2025 (applies only to applicants living abroad)
- Immigration Parole Fee: $1,000 fee effective October 16, 2025 for humanitarian parole, parole in place, re-parole, and parole from DHS custody
- TPS Termination: South Sudan TPS ended with 60-day departure deadline for approximately 230 beneficiaries
- EAD Auto-Extensions Ended: Automatic Employment Authorization Document extensions terminated October 30, 2025 for many renewal categories
- Refugee Cap Proposal: Proposed reduction to 7,500 refugee admissions for fiscal year 2026 (down from 125,000 under previous administration)
- Diversity Visa Changes: DV-2026 annual limit reduced to 52,000 visas with new $1 application fee when lottery opens
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit challenging the $100,000 H-1B fee, arguing it "overrides provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act." Previous H-1B petition fees ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on employer size.
Who Is Affected By These Immigration Changes
These policy changes impact multiple categories of foreign nationals and U.S. employers. Understanding which changes affect your situation is critical for compliance.
For H-1B Visa Applicants and Employers
The $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B petitions for applicants currently living outside the United States. If you already hold an H-1B visa issued before September 21, 2025, you are not affected and can continue traveling freely. Renewals and extensions of existing H-1B visas do not require the new fee, making it a one-time cost for new foreign workers.
For Humanitarian Parole Beneficiaries
If you are granted humanitarian parole, parole in place, or re-parole after October 16, 2025, you must pay the $1,000 immigration parole fee. However, individuals with pending green card applications are exempt from this fee. The fee is collected after parole is approved, not when applying, and some humanitarian cases may qualify for exemptions.
For TPS Holders and EAD Renewal Applicants
South Sudan TPS beneficiaries received 60-day notice to depart or adjust status before facing deportation. Additionally, individuals who previously relied on automatic EAD extensions must now ensure their Employment Authorization Documents are renewed before expiration to avoid work authorization gaps starting October 30, 2025.
How to Navigate New Immigration Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the latest immigration policy changes:
- Verify Your Visa Category: Determine whether you fall under H-1B, parole, TPS, or other categories affected by recent changes
- Check Exemption Status: Review exemptions for H-1B fees (existing visa holders, domestic applicants) and parole fees (pending green card applicants)
- Budget for New Fees: Employers should budget $100,000 for each new foreign worker from abroad; parole applicants should prepare for $1,000 fee
- Renew EADs Early: File Employment Authorization Document renewals well before expiration since automatic extensions no longer apply to most categories
- Ensure Compliant Documentation: When applying for any visa or work authorization, ensure your passport photo meets official requirements to avoid processing delays
- Monitor Policy Updates: Subscribe to USCIS alerts as the government continues reviewing TPS designations and may terminate additional countries' protections
Important Immigration Policy Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar for immigration compliance:
- September 19, 2025: Presidential Proclamation announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee
- September 21, 2025 (12:01 AM EDT): H-1B fee increase took effect for new petitions
- October 16, 2025: Immigration parole fee of $1,000 became effective
- October 30, 2025: Automatic EAD extensions ended for most renewal categories
- November 2025: South Sudan TPS beneficiaries' 60-day departure period expires (specific date varies by individual)
- Fiscal Year 2026: Proposed refugee admissions cap of 7,500 would take effect if approved
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Visa Renewals?
No, the $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B petitions for applicants currently living outside the United States. If you already hold an H-1B visa or are renewing an existing H-1B, you do not need to pay this fee. The fee is a one-time payment required when an employer petitions for a new foreign worker from abroad.
Can I Get a Waiver for the Immigration Parole Fee?
While the $1,000 immigration parole fee is required in most cases, certain exemptions exist. Individuals with pending green card applications are automatically exempt. Additionally, some humanitarian cases may qualify for fee exemptions, though specific criteria have not been fully published. Contact an immigration attorney to determine if you qualify for a waiver.
What Happens If My TPS Country Is Terminated?
If your country's TPS designation is terminated, USCIS typically provides 60-180 days notice before the designation expires. During this period, you must either depart the United States, adjust to another immigration status (such as asylum or family-based green card), or face deportation proceedings. Work authorization ends when TPS expires.
Will the Diversity Visa Lottery Continue in 2027?
Yes, the Diversity Visa lottery will continue for DV-2027, though the annual limit has been reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to legislative changes. The State Department will announce the registration period "in the coming months" and will implement a new $1 application fee when the lottery opens.
What You Need to Know About Immigration Changes
The sweeping immigration policy changes implemented between September and November 2025 represent the most significant visa fee increases and program restrictions in recent U.S. history. The $100,000 H-1B fee alone increases costs by 2,000-5,000% compared to previous filing fees, fundamentally changing employer hiring strategies for foreign workers.
If you are planning to apply for any U.S. visa or work authorization, act quickly to understand how these changes affect your specific situation. Furthermore, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements to avoid application delays—VisaPics specializes in compliant passport and visa photos for all U.S. immigration documents. Additionally, consult with an immigration attorney to explore exemptions, alternative visa categories, or strategic timing for your applications before additional policy changes take effect.
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