Effective November 10th, and consistent with recently-released USCIS guidance, UW is ending the “pause” on filing new H-1B petitions related to the $100,000 fee announced on September 19, 2025. International Scholars Operations (ISO) will start moving individual affected H-1B cases forward, as follows:
- According to the latest USCIS guidance, the $100,000 fee is not required for changes of status to H-1B, or for amendments, extensions, or transfers of existing H-1B status, for persons already in the U.S. ISO will therefore move these cases forward for filing where possible.
- For candidates coming from abroad who did not have H-1B petitions filed as of September 21, 2025 and who would therefore presumably be subject to the new fee, ISO will identify other options in consultation with academic unit and school/college/campus leadership. Those options may include, but are not limited to:
- Sponsorship in other visa types (J-1, TN, E-3, O-1)
- National interest exemptions to the fee
- Delaying start dates in cases where the above options aren’t viable
- For new H visa requests for candidates coming from outside the U.S., units may only pay the fee in cases that meet both of the following conditions:
- No other visa options (change of status inside the U.S., J-1, O-1, TN, E-3) available, or other visa options have already been exhausted, and
- Positions are deemed essential and considered mission-critical to university academic, administrative, and/or clinical operations.
- For individuals currently performing or expected to perform critical work, a third condition must be met: interruption through turnover/failed hire could be costly.
- Final approval for payment of the $100,000 fee will sit with:
- The Dean’s Office of the School of Medicine, for UW Medicine clinical appointments only, or
- The Provost’s Office for all other school/college/campuses and position types.
- The $100,000 fee may not be paid out of General Operating Funds.
ISO will reach out to school/college/campus leadership over the next two week to identify affected cases and discuss options. Please do not reach out with inquiries on individual cases at this time.