US Narrows September 2025 H-1B Entry Restrictions Post-Proclamation

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of new H-1B nonimmigrant workers to the United States, effective September 21, 2025, through September 21, 2026, unless extended. The proclamation requires a $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions filed after the effective date or qualification for a national interest exception, which may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Importantly, the proclamation does not affect individuals with currently approved H-1B petitions filed before September 21, 2025, holders of valid H-1B visas, or those seeking visa renewals based on prior petitions, thus not impacting current H-1B workers' travel to and from the U.S. Federal agencies including USCIS and CBP have issued guidance narrowing the proclamation's scope, confirming its prospective application only to new petitions filed after the deadline. Legal challenges to the proclamation are anticipated, and additional guidance on the national interest exemption process is expected. Employers and workers are advised to seek legal counsel to navigate evolving regulations and implications for H-1B petitions and travel plans.