New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance clarifying the implementation of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, following a presidential proclamation issued on September 19. The guidance addresses who is responsible for paying the fee, the circumstances in which it applies, and how employers may apply for rare exceptions.

The September 19 proclamation imposed a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions, sparking confusion among employers. H-1B visas are often the primary pathway for high-skilled foreign nationals to work long-term in the United States.

USCIS clarified through its release on October 20: "The Proclamation applies to new H-1B petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. eastern ...