Is the H1B visa community ready to face a $100,000 fee per application and renewal?
- Santiago Legal
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 5
H1B Visa and Immigrants in Minnesota
The H1B visa has for years been one of the main gateways for skilled professionals, including international physicians who have worked in hospitals in Minnesota and across the United States.
However, in 2025, the H1B rules have changed radically. These new provisions threaten to completely transform the immigration and employment landscape, especially for doctors and international professionals who depend on this visa.
At Santiago Legal , as immigration attorneys in Minnesota , we explain what this new policy means, how it could affect you, and what steps you can take to protect your future.
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New H1B visa rule in 2025
Starting in September 2025, the U.S. government implemented the following changes for H1B visa holders:
Prohibition on international mobility without additional costs: H1B holders will not be able to leave the country without facing financial consequences.
$100,000 application fee: This fee will be required for both those applying for a new H1B visa and those wishing to re-enter the United States after travel abroad.
This means that any international move will entail an economic burden that is almost impossible for most workers to sustain.
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Who does the new H1B visa fee apply to?
It's important to note that the $100,000 fee does not apply to those who already had a valid visa before September 21, 2025, meaning it does not affect their legal ability to travel.
However, although these employees are allowed to travel, companies like Amazon and Microsoft recommend not leaving the country due to the uncertainty surrounding this new policy.
For those who received their H1B visa after September 21, the fee is mandatory if:
They wish to apply for a new H1B visa.
They wish to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.
At this time, there is no clarity regarding payment mechanisms, which creates risk and denial of entry if payment has not been made in advance.
Impact on international professionals and physicians in Minnesota
One of the sectors most affected by this measure is the health sector.
In Minnesota, especially in rural areas, there is a shortage of doctors and specialists. Many hospitals rely on international doctors on H1B visas to meet the needs of their communities.
The new restrictions may lead to:
Health care crisis: Entire communities would be left without access to specialists.
Inability to return to the country: Thousands of H1B professionals currently outside the United States may not be able to afford to pay this fee.
Job and immigration insecurity: Even those who already work in hospitals are afraid to travel abroad due to the uncertainty surrounding the regulations.
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What to do if you depend on an H1B visa in 2025?
At Santiago Legal , we recommend:
Check your current status : Confirm whether your visa was issued before or after September 21, 2025.
Explore legal alternatives : Consider permanent residency, a change of status, or programs that offer greater stability.
Stay informed : This rule could be subject to adjustments, suspensions, or lawsuits that modify its application.
Avoid unsolicited travel : Do not leave the United States without consulting a lawyer, as you could face serious problems when trying to return.
Immigration Practice Areas in Minnesota
At Santiago Legal , we offer specialized advice in various areas of immigration law to help you make informed decisions and protect your legal status in the United States. Our practice areas include:
Residency and Citizenship
Permits and Status
Temporary and Permanent Visas
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Immigration in Minnesota: Cities and Communities
From Minneapolis to Rochester, Santiago Legal offers immigration services to people throughout Minnesota. Some of the major cities where we offer immigration legal advice include:
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Legal advice in Minnesota
At Santiago Legal LLC , we are committed to helping you navigate this new scenario:
We evaluate your situation under the H1B visa.
We analyze immigration options to ensure your stability in the United States.
We come to defend your right to work and live with dignity.
We didn't come to ask permission. We came to build the future.
We are Santiago Legal
Immigration attorneys in Minnesota defending our community. We exist to improve the lives of immigrants in the United States.
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