H-1B Fee Jumps to $100,000 – How EB-5 Can Help

The U.S. immigration landscape is never static. Policies change, fees rise, and new restrictions often appear overnight, leaving skilled professionals uncertain about their future. The latest headline-making update comes from former President Donald Trump, who has floated the idea of increasing H-1B visa fees to $100,000.

For thousands of international professionals who have long relied on the H-1B route, this proposed change is not just a financial burden, it’s a wake-up call. If temporary work visas are becoming costlier and riskier, what alternatives exist for individuals and families seeking long-term stability in the United States?

One powerful answer: the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

What’s Happening With the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B program has been a lifeline for skilled foreign workers, particularly in tech, healthcare, and research fields. Every year, over 85,000 visas are issued through a lottery system, giving companies access to global talent.

But the program has its flaws:

• Lottery system: Even the most qualified candidates have no guarantee of selection.

• Employer dependency: Visa holders must rely on their sponsoring company. Job changes or layoffs can jeopardize their status.

• Temporary nature: H-1B doesn’t provide a direct path to permanent residency.

Now, with Trump’s proposal to raise the H-1B filing fee to $100,000 per petition, the challenges grow even sharper. For many, the H-1B no longer looks like a stepping stone to the American dream, it looks like a gamble with rising costs and no guaranteed outcome.

Why the $100,000 Fee Matters

For perspective, today’s H-1B application fees range from about $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the employer. A jump to $100,000 is not just a “slight increase”, it’s a barrier that could reshape the program entirely.

• Employers may hesitate: Even large tech companies might reduce the number of H-1B hires if each comes with a six-figure cost.

• Professionals may rethink strategy: Instead of waiting years on temporary status, many will look for more secure residency options.

• Risk vs. reward imbalance: Spending $100,000 without any guarantee of selection in the lottery could feel unreasonable for skilled workers.

This shift underscores one critical point: it’s time to consider immigration options that offer certainty, permanence, and family security.

Enter the EB-5 Investor Visa

Unlike the H-1B, the EB-5 visa is not tied to an employer, does not depend on luck, and directly leads to permanent residency. Through an EB-5 investment, individuals and families can secure their green cards while contributing to U.S. economic growth.

Here’s how EB-5 works:

• Investment Requirement: $800,000 in a government-approved rural or high-unemployment area project.

• Job Creation: The investment must help create at least 10 full-time American jobs.

• Residency Benefits: Investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 all receive permanent residency.

• Faster Timelines – With approved rural projects like Airabella at Lake Oconee, USCIS processing times are significantly shorter. 

• Flexible Investment Options – Break down the $800K investment into manageable instalments designed to fit your financial planning. 

• Accelerated Return Timeline – Benefit from a shortened 3-year return period, faster than traditional EB-5 offerings.

In short, while H-1B is becoming more expensive and uncertain, EB-5 is a direct, transparent pathway to stability.

Comparing H-1B vs EB-5

Why EB-5 Makes Sense Now

If you are a skilled professional evaluating your future in the U.S., the numbers speak for themselves. Instead of spending $100,000 (with no guarantee of selection), many are choosing to put those funds toward an EB-5 investment that:

• Creates a long-term future for their family.

• Offers peace of mind with permanent residency.

• Provides opportunities for children to study, work, and build careers without visa limitations.

With EB-5, you aren’t just paying a fee, you are making an investment that has the potential to generate returns while securing your U.S. residency.

Spotlight on Airabella at Lake Oconee

At Shoora EB5, we are proud to present Airabella at Lake Oconee, a USCIS-approved rural EB-5 project. Located in Georgia, this development offers investors the rare combination of security, transparency, and priority processing.

• Approved & compliant – Fully meets USCIS requirements.

• Faster processing – Rural designation helps reduce wait times.

• Trusted development team – Experienced leadership with a track record of delivery.

Airabella gives EB-5 investors confidence that their capital is well-placed, while also opening the door to U.S. residency for their families.

The Bigger Picture: Choosing Stability Over Uncertainty

Immigration is about more than paperwork. It’s about creating a secure future for you and your loved ones. The latest H-1B fee proposal is a clear reminder that relying on temporary visas is risky and policies can change overnight, but your long-term goals remain the same.

With EB-5, you take control. You invest not only in a project, but in your family’s future, gaining freedom, security, and opportunity in the United States.

Final Thoughts

The idea of a $100,000 H-1B fee signals a shift in how America views temporary work visas. For international professionals, it highlights the importance of exploring alternatives that provide certainty.

The EB-5 Investor Program offers exactly that: a clear, permanent, and family-inclusive path to residency. At Shoora EB5, we specialize in guiding investors through this process with confidence and clarity.

If you’ve been relying on the H-1B route, now may be the time to rethink your strategy. Instead of gambling on a lottery, consider investing in your family’s future with EB-5.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how Shoora EB5 and the Airabella project can help you secure the American dream.

Schedule a Free Consultation Now: https://www.shooraeb5.com/schedule-consultation/