On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, triggering a series of immigration-related changes that will affect both foreign workers and their employers. While the Act does not alter the core eligibility framework of the H-1B program—such as the cap, lottery process, or specialty occupation rules—it introduces new filing fees, visa-related costs, and a significantly expanded enforcement agenda.
These changes will increase the financial and procedural burdens for H-1B visa holders and employers alike, reshaping how immigration compliance must be managed in the years ahead.
I-94 Access Fee: A New Cost for International Travelers
The Act imposes a $25 fee on all nonimmigrants, including H-1Bs, for retrieving their Form I-94. Although the exact method of collection is still to be announced, it is expected to be implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when travelers download their electronic I-94 record after each entry into the U.S.
For H-1B workers who travel frequently—either for work or personal reasons—this may become a recurring and unavoidable cost.
Green Card Filing Costs Increase
The OBBBA adds a $400 surcharge to all Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) filings, which H-1B workers use to apply for green cards while in the U.S. This fee is paid by the applicant and applies to all categories—whether family-based or employment-based. While a modest cost increase, it may add up for families adjusting status together.
Visa Integrity Fee at Consulates
The bill creates a $250 Visa Integrity Fee, to be charged by the U.S. Department of State for consular processing. This would likely apply to individuals obtaining or renewing an H-1B visa at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.
Although USCIS petition-based processes are not affected by this fee, H-1B workers who travel internationally and require visa stamping will need to factor this into their costs. The Department of State is expected to issue guidance to consular posts about how and when to apply the fee.
Expanded Enforcement: Site Visits, Audits, and Investigations
The most consequential change lies not in paperwork but in enforcement. The bill allocates:
- $9.6 billion to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- $3.4 billion specifically to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
These funds are earmarked in part for worksite enforcement and fraud detection. H-1B employers—particularly staffing firms, tech consultancies, and multistate employers—can expect an uptick in site visits and USCIS fraud referrals. In addition to H-1B petitions, scrutiny is likely to extend to other employment based filings like L-1, P-3, R-1, and I-140.
Remittance Tax: Limited Impact on H-1Bs
The Act imposes a 1% tax on international money transfers—but only if funded by cash, money orders, or similar instruments through non-bank channels. Most H-1B workers who use U.S. bank accounts or services like Wise, Remitly, or Xoom will not be affected, as the tax does not apply to transfers funded by U.S.-issued debit or credit cards or bank accounts.
Takeaways for H-1B Workers and Employers
| Area | Action Step |
|---|---|
| International Travel | Budget for the $25 I-94 fee after each reentry |
| Consular Visa Stamping | Factor in the $250 Visa Integrity Fee when renewing visas abroad |
| Green Card Filing | Account for the $400 I-485 surcharge when preparing for adjustment |
| Worksite Compliance | Conduct internal audits to confirm LCA postings, job duties, and work locations |
| Remittances | Use U.S. bank accounts or compliant apps to avoid the 1% tax |
Conclusion
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is not an overhaul of the H-1B system—but it reshapes the enforcement environment for H-1B workers and their employers. With enhanced government oversight maintaining full compliance is more important than ever.
Employers should review internal procedures for immigration compliance, and H-1B workers should stay informed to avoid surprises—whether at the consulate, the border, or during an unexpected site visit.
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