The new fee, which took effect on Sept. 21, would only apply to employees who received a first-time H-1B visa in the upcoming 2026 lottery. Current H-1B visa holders, like the roughly two dozen visa holders employed by AI Engineers, would be able to reenter the U.S. with no problem. To obtain an H-1B visa for an employee, privately-held companies must enter a lottery process to receive application slots. Raising the visa fee for skilled workers so significantly changes the cost structure for employers across sectors. “There are things wrong with the H-1B program, but when you get a sprained ankle, you don’t cut off your leg,” he said.