On August 24, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions, scheduled for publication on August 25. The proposed rule would impose a $103,265 fee on all cap-subject H-1B petitions, including those eligible for the advanced-degree exemption. This fee would be due at filing and would be charged in addition to all other applicable fees.
As an institution of higher education, the University of Michigan is exempt from the H-1B cap. Therefore, the proposed fee does not apply to any H-1B petitions filed by U-M or other institution of higher education, or affiliated nonprofit entity; nonprofit research organization; or governmental research organization. It will, however, affect international students in F- and J-1 status, among others, seeking H-1B sponsorship in cap-subject employment sectors.
DHS is inviting comments on the NPRM, which it must consider before it can finalize, publish and implement this new fee.
The International Center is monitoring this proposal and will update this announcement as warranted.