The new Ksh13Million (USD100,000) fee for H-1B visa petitions will not affect existing visa holders, the White House has clarified.
In a statement issued on the evening of Saturday, September 20, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt made it clear that the fee is a one-time charge and not something which will be collected annually, as was earlier believed.
“This is not an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition,” she posted on X, effectively clearing the air that existing visa holders, those seeking renewals or Kenyans currently working in the U.S. under the programme, remain unaffected.
Why it Matters: For Kenyans who are employed in the United States or who want to relocate to the West for employment, the H-1B visa is a vital route because it enables American businesses to hire foreign experts in specialised fields like technology, finance, engineering, healthcare, and education.
The visa is especially popular among Kenyan professionals in tech, many of whom have landed jobs with global companies, including Amazon and Google.
The White House's Correction
The White House's clarification came after initial confusion caused by a statement from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who suggested that the new Ksh13 million fee might be charged annually.
But Leavitt reassured the public that those holding valid H-1B visas will not be affected, even if they are outside the United States at the moment, as they can travel to work as usual.
The new rules will apply to new applicants in the upcoming H-1B lottery cycle. According to Lutnick, the fee is meant to protect American nationals from being undercut by foreign labour, which is, in many cases, much cheaper.
In other words, the hefty fee is meant to level the playing field and ensure that the programme is not misused by foreigners, including Kenyans.
H-1B Visa Application Process
To apply for the H-1B, a U.S. company must file a petition on behalf of the foreign worker. The visa is valid for three years and can be extended up to six years.
A key advantage of the Visa is that it supports 'dual intent', meaning visa holders can apply for U.S. permanent residence while still on the visa.
According to data from the U.S. government, the percentage of IT workers in the U.S. on H-1B visas has grown from 32 per cent in 2003 to 65 per cent in 2025, sparking concerns about job competition between locals and foreigners.
Under President Donald Trump's administration, Visa rules have been tightened to uncomfortable levels for foreigners, with the Trump regime insisting these measures are a way of curbing unlawful immigrants while also protecting the interests of their residents.
