📰 For Immediate Release - President Trump's Executive Order Impacting H-1B Workers

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of anyone seeking to enter or reenter the U.S. in H-1B status without payment of a new $100,000 fee. The proclamation is effective date is 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday, September 21, 2025, and is set to expire after one year.

While there are many unknowns about the EO and how it will be administered and/or challenged in the courts, we believe for now that this seems to mostly be a travel ban/restriction. While that is extremely unfortunate, we do not think/hope it is going to impact H1Bs already in process in the U.S. or applied for in the future from the U.S. (extensions, amendments, changes of employer, etc.). Again, more information should be announced this week, including potential impacts on next year’s H-1B lottery system.

All individuals on an H-1B visa who are outside the U.S. are immediately encouraged to return to the U.S. as soon as possible before the effective date of September 21, 2025. Travel outside of the U.S. for visa processing/renewals will be impacted so H-1B workers should refrain from all international travel until implementation is further clarified. For H-1B cap case beneficiaries with approved petitions and a valid H-1B visa, they should seek to enter the U.S. as soon as possible.

Below are some links regarding the EO:

Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers – The White House

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Suspends the Entry of Certain Alien Nonimmigrant Workers – The White House

GG&W will continue to monitor this immediate and surprising development and will provide more information and clarity as it arises.