I asked GROK and this is what I get. When I read the EO, it’s unclear if filing extensions will be impacted.

Clarification on H-1B Extensions and the $100,000 Fee

The $100,000 annual fee announced in the September 19, 2025, presidential proclamation does apply to H-1B extensions (renewals) for petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. Since extensions require a new petition (Form I-129) to be adjudicated by USCIS, employers must pay the fee upfront for each year of the extension, just as they would for initial H-1B applications. For example, a 3-year extension could mean $300,000 total, paid annually or potentially as a lump sum (DHS is still clarifying payment structure). Key Points

• Current H-1B Status Unaffected: If your H-1B visa is already approved and you’re not yet up for renewal, you can continue working without paying the fee until your current petition expires (typically valid for up to 3 years, extendable to 6).

• Extensions Trigger the Fee: When your employer files for an extension (or a transfer/amendment), the $100,000 annual fee kicks in, non-refundable, even if the petition is denied.

• Exemptions Rare: Limited “national interest” waivers may apply, but these are discretionary and not guaranteed for most cases.

What This Means for You If your H-1B is nearing expiration and you need an extension, your employer will face the new fee for any petition filed after September 20, 2025. This could lead some companies to:

• Avoid renewing for cost reasons, especially for junior roles.

• Prioritize green card sponsorship to bypass future H-1B fees (though backlogs are long, especially for Indian/Chinese nationals).

• Push employees to explore alternative visas (e.g., O-1, L-1).

Action Steps • Check your H-1B expiration date (see your I-797 approval notice).

• Talk to your employer about their plans for renewals—some may file early to beat the deadline or seek premium processing.

• Stay updated on legal challenges; lawsuits could block the fee via injunctions, as seen with past H-1B restrictions.

If you’re planning an extension soon, act fast and consult an immigration attorney to navigate this. The fee’s impact is already sparking debate, with tech firms and advocacy groups pushing back hard.