F-1 students can skip $100K H-1B fee — But there’s a catch on change of status

US authorities have clarified that those on an F-1 visa can work for US companies without paying the charge while studying or engaged in an OPT program.

It has been clarified that if a petition filed after September 21, 2025, requests a change of status or amendment, or extension of stay, then $ the $100K H-1B petition fee will not apply.

This allows students currently in the US holding an F-1 visa to be the prime target for US employers.

Generally, certain nonimmigrants present in the United States admitted for a specified period of time, or their petitioners, may request an extension of their admission period to continue to engage in those activities permitted under the nonimmigrant classification in which they were admitted.

Also, certain nonimmigrants present in the United States o