USCIS exempts F-1 to H-1B status change from the $100,000 fee, easing concerns for Indian students

In a major relief for foreign students and American employers the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that the $100,000 ‘entry’ fee announced by President Donald Trump , that came into effect from Sept 21, will not apply to individuals already in the United States who are seeking a change of status to an H-1B, extension of stay, or amendment (such as a change in the employer) This clarification will benefit thousands of international students on F-1 visas who transit to H-1B status through the annual lottery selection process. While the entry fee has to be paid by the sponsoring employer and not the beneficiary (individual who is sponsored), it was feared that employers would not wish to cough up this significant sum for recent graduates (entry-level hires).