U.S. court blocks controversial high-cost H-1B visa fees

On June 8, 2026, a U.S. federal judge issued a major ruling blocking a controversial policy that required a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions.

District Judge Leo Sorokin declared the policy 'unlawful,' stating that the executive branch overstepped its constitutional authority.

The court found that this extreme charge was not a standard administrative fee, but rather an unauthorized tax that only Congress has the power to levy.

Introduced by the Trump administration in September 2025, the fee was intended to discourage the use of foreign labor, which officials claimed was displacing American workers.

However, the policy faced intense opposition from major organizations, including the U.S.

Chamber of Commerce and universities, who argued it stifled innovation in critical sectors like healthcare and technology.

While this decision offers temporary relief to employers who rely on global talent, the legal situation remains complex due to conflicting court rulings across the country.

The Department of Justice is expected to appeal, meaning uncertainty for companies and skilled professionals persists as the issue heads for further litigation.