Australian startups are hit with new barriers to the US over the new $150,000 H-1B visa fee. What the new $150,000 H-1B visa fee means for Australian startupsA $150,000 (US$100,000) increase in H-1B visa fees for US work permits led to panic and confusion among visa holders and applicants over the weekend. The new $150,000 H-1B visa fee applies to Australians and other foreigners seeking to enter the US workforce with a new sponsor or as first-time applicants for an H-1B visa. Despite initial concerns, the new H-1B visa fee does not apply to current H-1B holders or to renewals, only to new applications from those seeking H-1B sponsorship for the first time. How are Australian startups and workers affected by the H-1B visa fee?