For international students pursuing higher education in the United States, the F-1 visa has long been the gateway to academic and professional opportunities. The F-1 visa, officially designated as a non-immigrant student visa, allows individuals to enter the US to attend accredited educational institutions, complete their studies, and in many cases, gain practical training experience through programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions.Recent policy updates from the US government, however, signal shifts that every F-1 visa holder should be aware of, alongside broader changes affecting employment-based visas like the H-1B. Understanding these developments is critical for planning your academic trajectory and career path.
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee for new applicants
On September 19, 2025, a presidential proclamation introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions filed by applicants outside the US. The H-1B visa, a non-immigrant visa allowing employers to hire skilled foreign workers in sectors such as technology, engineering, and research, is widely used by graduates seeking to transition from student to professional status.
The exemption for F-1 students applying for H-1B within the US
Importantly, this fee does not apply to F-1 students currently in the US who apply for a change of status to H-1B, including those on OPT or STEM OPT extensions. The exemption ensures that students can continue working in the US while their H-1B petition is processed without incurring the new cost, provided they maintain valid F-1 status and remain in the country during the application process.
Exemptions and limitations for F-1 students
While the fee exemption offers clear benefits, certain conditions could still trigger the $100,000 cost for F-1 holders. Students who leave the US before the H-1B petition is adjudicated, apply for a visa from abroad after losing F-1 status, or are denied eligibility for change of status may fall under the fee requirement. Maintaining continuous F-1 status and filing from within the US are key to avoiding additional financial burdens.
The proposed fixed four-year F-1 visa duration
Last month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a significant change to the F-1 visa system. Under the current framework, known as “duration of status,” students can remain in the US for the entire length of their academic program, provided they comply with visa requirements. The proposed update would replace this open-ended duration with a fixed maximum period of four years, after which students would need to request extensions from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).The goal, according to DHS, is to improve oversight and ensure students maintain academic progress. While the policy is still under review, it represents a potential shift in how international students plan the timeline of their studies, particularly for graduate or research-intensive programs.
Maintaining status and planning ahead
F-1 visa holders are advised to remain vigilant about maintaining valid status. Staying enrolled, following institutional guidelines, and planning visa transitions carefully will be essential in light of both current rules and proposed changes. Universities are likely to play a central role in providing guidance, ensuring students remain compliant while pursuing academic and professional goals.
Broader context: The US international student landscape
Alongside the F-1 visa updates, the recent H-1B fee illustrates a broader trend in US immigration and employment policy. While measures target new overseas applicants, current students and professionals in the US continue to have pathways to employment and career development. For international students, understanding these changes allows informed decision-making regarding studies, internships, and post-graduation employment.
The takeaway
F-1 visa holders should remain aware of both immediate policy updates and proposed changes. The exemption from the $100,000 H-1B fee for those applying from within the US provides financial and career advantages, while the proposed fixed-duration F-1 visa highlights potential adjustments in the future. Staying informed, maintaining valid status, and coordinating with universities are essential steps for navigating the evolving landscape of US student and employment visas.
