Hello, this is TJ, Founder and CEO of Alpha Advisors.

On October 20, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released official guidance regarding the newly implemented $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
The fee, introduced suddenly under a presidential proclamation in September, has caused significant concern among companies and international students alike. However, the new guidance has finally clarified several key points.

1. What Is the “$100,000 H-1B Fee”?

The new policy, introduced through a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, under the Trump administration, requires employers to pay an additional $100,000 when filing a new H-1B petition for individuals located outside the United States.

The H-1B visa remains one of the most important pathways for highly skilled professionals to work long-term in the United States. For international students—especially those in STEM master’s and Ph.D. programs—it has been the essential bridge from education to employment.

Today, 73% of full-time graduate students in electrical and computer engineering programs at U.S. universities are international students. This new fee could therefore reshape how U.S. companies recruit top technical talent.

2. Key Points of the New USCIS Guidance: Who Pays, and When?

According to the USCIS announcement, the details are as follows:

・The fee applies only to new H-1B petitions filed from outside the United States.
　→ For example, applicants submitting directly from a non-U.S. university would fall under this rule.

・Status changes within the United States (such as F-1 to H-1B) are exempt.
　→ Students transitioning from OPT to H-1B are not subject to the new fee.

・Extensions or renewals of existing H-1B visas are also exempt.
　→ Those already working in the U.S. under H-1B status will not be required to pay the $100,000 fee when extending or amending their visa.

In short, the policy does not impact individuals already studying or working in the United States, but it does add a substantial cost burden for those applying directly from abroad.

3. The Study-in-the-U.S. to Career-in-the-U.S. Path Remains Unchanged

The new $100,000 fee applies only to those filing new H-1B petitions from outside the country.
This means that students who pursue a degree in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and transition to employment through OPT before obtaining H-1B status are completely exempt from the new fee.

This pathway remains the most reliable and strategic route for anyone aspiring to build a global career in the United States—and in fact, the policy shift makes it even more advantageous relative to overseas applicants.

4. Accelerate Your Career and Earning Power Through a U.S. MBA or Graduate Program

The message behind this new policy is clear: “Studying in the U.S. and building your career there” remains the most strategic and reliable path to an international career.

By completing a U.S. MBA or master’s program and securing a position at a local company, professionals can follow a stable career trajectory of OPT → H-1B → Green Card, building both expertise and long-term career security.
This path opens realistic opportunities to achieve annual compensation equivalent to USD 200,000–300,000 or more in sectors such as finance, technology, consulting, and private equity.

At Alpha Advisors, many of our clients have successfully achieved U.S. employment and seven-figure global careers through this very route.
Now is the time to act with the right strategy and pursue your U.S. education and career goals with confidence.

Conclusion: The U.S. Job Market Remains a Major Opportunity—Take Action with the Right Strategy

The new guidance highlights a crucial fact: the most stable and sustainable career path is to study and work within the United States.
Students who pursue degrees in the U.S., gain experience through OPT, and then transition to H-1B status are completely exempt from the $100,000 fee, making this pathway even more advantageous going forward.

By developing specialized expertise and communication skills through a U.S. MBA or graduate program, and securing employment locally, you can realistically build a career with earning potential of USD 200,000–300,000+ across global industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and private equity.
The study → OPT → H-1B → Green Card pathway remains the most proven and replicable model for global career success in today’s world.

Alpha Advisors has guided countless professionals toward U.S. employment and international career advancement.
If you’re serious about working in the United States, now is the time to move.
With the right strategy and thorough preparation, you can open the door to a global future.
Reach out to Alpha Advisors today for a personalized consultation.

For official USCIS and H-1B updates, see: Immigration Service Issues Guidance On Who Pays The $100,000 H-1B Fee

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TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.