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Understanding the Proposed H-1B Filing Fee Changes and the Impact on Workforce Planning

Client Alert

On August 25, 2026, the Trump administration published a proposed rule to impose another $103,265 payment clause on any new H-1B visa “cap-subject” petitions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have given agencies a 30-day period to comment.

If implemented: Which Employers will be Affected by the $103,265 payment?

  • New H-1B Cap Subject Petitions for Overseas Beneficiaries: Affected.
  • New H-1B Cap Subject Petitions for Beneficiaries within the U.S., i.e. “change of status” petitions including OPT/F-1 to H-1B petitions: Affected.
  • OPT to H-1B New Cap Subject Petition: Affected.
  • All future H-1B lottery petitions: Affected.

Who will Not Be Affected by the $103,265 payment?

  • Current H-1B visa holders with the Same Employer: Not Affected. Cap Exempt valid visas and approved petitions may remain unaffected.
  • H-1B Future Extensions and Renewals with the Same Employer: Not Affected.
  • H-1B Portability/Change of Employer: Not clear guidance. If “cap exempt” Not Affected.
  • “Cap-Exempt H-1B New Petitions” related to Universities, Hospitals or Non-Profits: Not Affected.

You can watch BMD Immigration Member Duriya Dhinojwala's interview with NDTV, which is India’s most watched T.V. channel, on YouTube here. She discusses the impact on the future of the H-1B visas if this fee is not stayed by the federal courts. The interview starts at the 3-minute mark.

Contact Duriya Dhinojwala with additional questions and information on this proposed ruling at ddhinojwala@bmdllc.com or 330.253.5790.


DEA and HHS Issue its Third Extension of Telemedicine Flexibilities through 2025

The DEA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled medications through December 31, 2025. This extension builds on temporary exceptions made in 2020 due to COVID-19, allowing providers to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances based on a telemedicine evaluation alone. The extension ensures continued patient access to necessary prescriptions and provides time for providers to comply with future regulations.

Medicare Making Changes to Improve Behavioral Health Care Access

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced changes to Medicare’s behavioral health coverage, including allowing Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors to enroll independently, increasing reimbursements for crisis psychotherapy and substance use treatment, and expanding services via community health workers. These updates address gaps in care and improve access to mental health services for Medicare beneficiaries.

The Ohio Department of Medicaid Announces Four Next Generation MyCare Plans

On November 1, 2024, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) announced four managed care organizations that will become ODM’s Next Generation MyCare plans starting January 2026. MyCare Ohio is a managed care program that supports Ohioans across 29 counties enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.

Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Deadline: December 31

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which became effective January 1, 2024, imposes strict reporting guidelines on small business owners throughout the country.  The deadline for non-exempt businesses to submit reporting is December 31, 2024.

Permanent Injunction of “Heartbeat” Abortion Ban in Ohio

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins has ruled Ohio’s six-week abortion ban unconstitutional, citing the state’s new reproductive rights amendment. This ruling emphasizes that Ohio law must fully reflect the will of voters, offering clarity for medical providers and safeguarding women's health care rights.