When the United States extended its $100,000 H-1B fee, experts predicted skilled foreign workers would simply pivot to alternative visas like the O-1 or student tracks. The reality? There was no workaround—just a systemic shutdown. In this episode of Digital Nomads, EMMANUEL NWOSU breaks down US State Department data revealing that non-immigrant visa issuances contracted by one million in just five months year-on-year, with H-1B entries plummeting 52%. For African talent, the door is slamming shut: continental visa entries were halved, while total US visas issued to Nigerians collapsed by an astounding 86.7%.
In our last Digital Nomads edition, we examined the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed $103,265 H-1B fee and what it could mean for the next generation of foreign workers trying to enter the United States.
Two critical developments have occurred since then. First, the public comment window for the DHS’ proposed policy closed on September 24. Second, US President Donald Trump extended the $100,000 H-1B fee by another year.
First introduced in September 2025 for a twelve-month duration, the surcharge will now remain active through September 2027, despite pending appeals court challenges.
Originally published by TechCabal.