Trump's new H-1B fee won't apply to existing visa holders, official says

"The intrigue: The rules kick in at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, but as written, some lawyers argued it appeared the fee would apply to anyone with an H-1B, even those whose visa was already approved, but who happen to be outside of the United States for some reason. Some tech companies reportedly told their H-1B employees to get back to the U.S. by Saturday and not leave thereafter."

"Yes, but: That is not the case, the White House official tells Axios. The fee will only apply to new applicants, not existing holders or renewals, the official said. It will first apply in the upcoming lottery cycle for new applicants, the official added. The big picture: While Trump's crackdown on border crossings has gotten the lion's share of attention, the fight over H-1B visas for highly skilled workers has been in many ways an equally contentious part of his immigration policy."

An executive order requires H-1B applicants or their corporate sponsors to pay an annual $100,000 visa fee, creating potential costs exceeding $1 billion annually for major employers. The rules are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, prompting concern that the fee might apply to current visa holders temporarily outside the United States. Some companies reportedly urged H-1B workers to return before the deadline. A White House official clarified the fee applies only to new applicants and will first affect the upcoming lottery cycle. The H-1B changes intensify an ongoing political debate over skilled immigration and domestic employment.

Read at Axios