India, Oct. 21 -- The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a long-awaited clarification on the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced last month by President Donald Trump, a move that had triggered confusion among employers, visa holders, and students.

The clarification, released on Monday, confirms that existing visa holders inside the US, including students and professionals, will not be required to pay the new fee, which applies only to new H-1B petitions filed for workers outside the country.

Here's a breakdown of what the new rule means, who must pay, and who's exempt.

On September 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee, equivalent to nearly...