This afternoon, on Friday 09/19/25, President Trump signed a proclamation that will go into effect Sunday Sept 21st 2025 at 12:01 AM EST. The proclamation imposes a $100,000 fee per H1B application (I am still reading and getting clarity). But the most important and urgent issue is that there will be an immediate restriction on H1B visa holders entering the US starting on Sunday. If your employee is traveling outside the US, they will unlikely to be able to enter without proof of payment of $100,000. And their visa could be revoked.
So, wherever your employee maybe traveling, ask them to please return home without delay- tomorrow. This is unfolding quickly, and we don’t know if litigation may stop this at some point. But it will likely cause immense chaos for everyone.
If you have employees on H1B inside the US, please ensure they do not travel until this issue settles.
Below is my social media post- follow me on LinkedIn if you do not already.
Here is a link to the proclamation if you want to read it Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers – The White House
URGENT PSA for H-1B Visa Holders Traveling Abroad
If you are currently outside the United States on a valid H-1B visa, please make every effort to return by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
President Trump’s new proclamation:
Imposes a $100,000 fee per H-1B petition
Requires proof of payment at entry
Goes into effect at 12:01 AM EST on Sunday, September 21, 2025
Key Concerns:
There is no system yet in place to pay the $100,000 fee (even if you can afford it!).
CBP may deny entry to valid H-1B holders who cannot show proof of payment. (Those are the instructions in the proclamation)
Employers and employees will be left with no immediate compliance path.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, but the risk of being stranded outside the U.S. is very real.
ACTION:
If you or someone you know is on H-1B and abroad, return to the US before the Saturday 11:59 PM EST deadline.
#immigration #H1B
The post Urgent Notice: H1B Visa Holders- Return to the US by Saturday Night Sept 20th, 2026 first appeared on Watson Immigration Law.
