DFA clarifies new US visa fees won't affect Filipinos in US

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has clarified that new fees imposed by the US on H-1B visa applications will not affect Filipinos already in the United States.

Only a small fraction, 1.3 percent, of H-1B visa holders are Filipinos, and the new fees only apply to new applications.

US President Donald Trump recently signed a proclamation introducing an additional annual fee of $100,000 for H-1B visa applications as part of his administration's immigration policy changes.

The H-1B visa program is designed for highly skilled workers who wish to work in the US for a maximum of three years.

Despite the assurance for those already in the US, the DFA advises Filipino H-1B visa holders to postpone non-essential travel outside the US until re-entry rules are clarified.

Filipinos who must travel are encouraged to consult their employers in advance, as employers might be responsible for covering the additional costs associated with their employee's re-entry.