In a proposed rule announced August 25, 2026, DHS/USCIS would impose a $103,265 fee on H-1B cap-subject petitions, with a 30-day public comment period (closing around September 24, 2026). DHS's own analysis estimated 11,051 small businesses (76% of the small entities it studied) would face significant hardship, and roughly $74.9 billion in employer fees over a decade.
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DHS proposes a $103,265 H-1B fee; public comment window closes about Sept 24
Why this matters for founders
Startups that sponsor H-1B talent should file comments before the deadline and model this cost into hiring plans now; the rule is proposed, not final, so the record still matters.
Source: Fortune
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