BusinessPolicy

USCIS Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Fee Implementation and Exemption Criteria

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued crucial guidance on the controversial $100,000 H-1B fee implementation. The clarification addresses employer confusion about payment requirements and reveals exceptionally narrow criteria for obtaining exemptions from the substantial new cost.

New Guidance on Controversial H-1B Fee

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has released detailed guidance clarifying implementation of the controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee, according to reports. The guidance addresses significant confusion among employers about payment requirements, application procedures, and the exceptionally narrow criteria for obtaining exemptions from the substantial new cost imposed by a September 2025 presidential proclamation.

Economy and TradingMarkets

Global Equities Slide as Banking Sector Concerns Trigger Investor Anxiety

Financial markets experienced significant turbulence as investor concerns mounted over regional US banking stability and private credit market quality. The volatility drove gold prices to record highs and boosted the VIX fear index to levels not seen since April, according to market analysts.

Market Downturn Spreads Globally

Stock markets worldwide faced substantial declines as nervousness surrounding the US banking sector triggered broad investor concerns. Major European indices including Germany’s DAX index and France’s CAC 40 reportedly fell in Friday trading sessions, according to financial market reports.