Lately, one question has been dominating conversations in admissions forums and group chats:

🧠 “Does the new $100,000 H-1B fee mean studying in the U.S. is no longer worth it?”

Let’s clear the air — and look at what this policy actually means for you.

What’s Going On?

In September 2025, the U.S. government announced a new $100,000 supplemental fee for companies filing H-1B petitions for candidates outside the U.S.

This rule applies for one year, from September 2025 to September 2026, and is designed to limit the hiring of foreign workers directly from abroad.

At first glance, that sounds like bad news for international talent — but here’s the key detail most people missed:

The new fee does not apply to students or professionals already in the United States.

Who’s Not Affected

If you’re already in the U.S. on a student visa (F-1), or if you’re working under OPT or STEM OPT, this policy doesn’t impact you.

That means:

• You can still apply for an H-1B change of status from inside the U.S. without paying the extra fee.
• Companies can continue to hire you at no additional cost.
• Existing H-1B holders and renewals are unaffected.
  

So, while the headlines might sound dramatic, for international students in the U.S., the reality is far more reassuring.

Why This Could Actually Help You

Here’s the interesting part: this policy could improve your chances of landing a U.S. job after graduation.

How?

When it becomes $100,000 more expensive to hire someone from abroad, companies naturally focus on hiring international graduates who are already in the U.S.

That means more employers are likely to prioritize candidates like you — those who are already studying, interning, or working under OPT.

In simple terms: The playing field shifts in your favor.

What the Numbers Suggest

Let’s break it down with simplified figures based on recent USCIS data:

• About 20% of H-1B applications come from students transitioning from F-1/OPT (inside the U.S.).
• Roughly 10% come from overseas hires.

If that 10% pool shrinks because of the new fee, the odds of approval for applicants already in the U.S. could rise from roughly 1 in 5 to about 1 in 3.

Over three years of OPT/STEM OPT eligibility, that’s a major boost to your cumulative odds of success.

What This Means for Future Students

If you’re considering studying in the U.S., this policy shouldn’t discourage you — it might even make your long-term outlook stronger.

Schools and employers value candidates who are already part of the U.S. academic system, and this shift could make international graduates more attractive hires.

So instead of closing doors, this new rule may actually open a few more — for the students who plan ahead.

Final Takeaway

The $100,000 H-1B fee sounds intimidating, but the real impact is more nuanced.

For international students already in the U.S. — or planning to study here soon — the odds of staying and working after graduation may have just improved.

Focus on what you can control:

🎯 Earn a top GMAT or GRE score.

🎓 Get into a strong program that sponsors international talent.

💼 Build your experience through OPT and internships.

The Brujo Method's GRE or GMAT prep course help you prepare for every step — from test prep to long-term success.