CCU Reviews New H-1B Visa Application Fee Increase

Conway, South Carolina, September 30, 2025

News Summary

Coastal Carolina University is assessing the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to raise the H-1B visa application fee from $215 to $100,000. This substantial increase may affect employers reliant on skilled foreign workers. While the White House assures that current H-1B holders will not be impacted, there is growing uncertainty surrounding the fee payment process and its implications for universities and non-profit organizations. The H-1B visa program has been vital for filling skill gaps in the American workforce, especially in the tech sector.

Conway, South Carolina – Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is actively reviewing the recent decision by the Trump administration that significantly increases the application fee for H-1B visas. Announced on Friday, the annual application fee will rise dramatically from $215 to $100,000, effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sunday. This substantial fee increase raises concerns for employers across the nation, especially for those who rely on skilled labor through H-1B visas.

H-1B visas are designed to allow American companies to employ skilled foreign workers when there is a shortage of available qualified workers in the United States. The change was instituted as part of the 1990 Immigration Act and is not aimed at individuals seeking permanent residency. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 60% of H-1B visas approved since 2012 have been allocated to computer-related jobs, indicating a strong preference for talent in the tech sector.

Various entities, including hospitals, banks, and universities, are eligible to apply for these visas, highlighting the widespread implications of the fee increase. CCU officials have stated that they are consulting with relevant offices to assess the potential impacts and compliance measures resulting from this change. The university is also in communication with current H-1B visa employees to ensure they are aware of how the fee change may affect their travel.

The White House has reassured stakeholders that existing H-1B visa holders will not be affected by this fee increase, nor will it prevent them from re-entering the U.S. after traveling abroad. Despite this, uncertainty surrounds the processing of the new fee, primarily due to a lack of procedural clarity. There are questions about how this fee hike will affect universities and nonprofit research organizations, which are currently exempt from the annual limit on H-1B visas.

As per estimates by economist Stephen Brown, there are around 700,000 H-1B visa holders residing within the U.S., along with an estimated 500,000 dependents. This significant demographic highlights the importance of H-1B visas in the American workforce, particularly in sectors crucial for economic growth and innovation.

The increase in application fees is seen as a potential hindrance for many organizations that rely on valuable international talent to fill skill gaps in the domestic labor market. While the administration’s intentions behind this policy shift remain to be fully understood, its impact on employment practices and workforce diversity across various industries is likely to unfold in the coming months.

Key Concerns

• Potential impact on the hiring process for employers needing skilled foreign labor.
• Uncertainty around compliance measures and procedural clarity regarding the fee payment process.
• Implications for universities and nonprofit organizations regarding visa allocation.

Background Context

The H-1B visa program has long been a vital pathway for skilled foreign professionals to contribute to the U.S. economy. However, with rising costs and procedural hurdles, employers must now navigate a more complex landscape to access this labor force. The recent fee increase is one of the most significant changes to hit the program in recent years, prompting a reevaluation of how businesses approach recruitment and hiring of international talent.

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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: CCU Reviewing Impacts of Trump’s New Fee for H-1B Visa Applications
• Wikipedia: H-1B Visa
• New York Times: Kellyanne Conway’s Husband Trump Justice
• Google Search: Kellyanne Conway
• Al Jazeera: Top Trump Adviser Kellyanne Conway Leaving White House Job
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Kellyanne Conway

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

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