US extends H-1B entry restriction requiring a $100,000 payment for 12 more months
United StatesVisas and rules
- Officially announced
- Sep 18, 2026
- Effective from
- Sep 21, 2026
- Last checked
- Oct 24, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
- Country
- United States
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- People outside the US seeking to enter as H-1B specialty occupation workers
- Employers filing H-1B petitions for people outside the US
- People who must seek admission to effectuate a petition approval, e.g. via consular notification or at a port of entry
- Effective date
- Sep 21, 2026
A presidential proclamation dated September 18, 2026 extends the H-1B entry restriction that began in 2025. Entry of people outside the US is restricted unless the petition is accompanied by a $100,000 payment. Please check the official announcement for the latest information.
federalregister.gov (external site)
What changed
Before: the restriction under the 2025 Proclamation (Proclamation 10973) applied from September 21, 2025. After: the same restriction continues for 12 months from September 21, 2026.
The text says it will "extend the 2025 Proclamation for an additional 12 months."
Who it applies to
- People outside the US seeking to enter as H-1B specialty occupation workers
- Employers filing H-1B petitions for people outside the US
- People who must seek admission to effectuate a petition approval, e.g. via consular notification or at a port of entry
When it applies
- Sep 18, 2026Officially announced
- Sep 21, 2026Effective from
Signed September 18, 2026. Effective 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2026, for 12 months. The preamble states until 12:00 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2027.
Published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2026.
Exceptions
The restriction does not apply to an individual, a company's workers, or an industry's workers if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines their hiring is in the national interest and poses no threat to US security or welfare.
It applies only to people who enter or attempt to enter after the effective date.
What to check or do
- Read the full proclamation on the official Federal Register page
- If you plan to work on an H-1B from outside the US, ask your employer how the $100,000 payment is handled
- Employers: obtain and keep documentation of the payment before filing the petition
- If you are considering an H-1B after your studies, consult your school's international office or an immigration professional
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
federalregister.gov (external site)
