September 20, 2025

USCIS Clarification: Travel Advisory for H-1B Employees

Author: ISSS Staff – 2025/09/20
Program:
Office:

UPDATE: USCIS Guidance on H-1B Proclamation

USCIS has released a memorandum providing clarification on the Presidential Proclamation restricting entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers.

review the full memo here

Key Points from the Guidance:

  1. The new $100,000 annual H-1B petition fee applies to new petitions filed on or after 12:01 AM (ET) on September 21, 2025.
  2. The proclamation does not affect:
    • H-1B petitions filed before September 21, 2025
    • Already approved H-1B petitions
    • Individuals who already hold valid H-1B visas
  3. The proclamation does not restrict the ability of current H-1B visa holders to travel to or from the United States.
  4. Current employees in the U.S. on valid H-1B status may continue working and extending their status without the new fee requirement.

We understand how unsettling this continues to be. ISSS will monitor developments closely and share further updates as federal agencies provide additional implementation details.

Travel Advisory for H-1B Employees

On September 19, 2025, the White House issued a presidential proclamation restricting the entry of H-1B visa holders to the U.S. unless their petition is accompanied by a $100,000 payment.

The proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Key points:

• If you are currently outside the U.S., we strongly recommend you return before 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

• If you are in the U.S., your H-1B employment and status remain valid.

• If you are in the process of getting your H-1B visa and currently outside of the U.S., please contact ISSS and your department about the impact of this proclamation.

• If you are traveling or planning to travel, your return may be impacted once the proclamation takes effect. Please postpone non-essential international travel until federal agencies release instructions.

• ISSS will share updates as soon as USCIS, DOS, and CBP provide implementing guidance.

If you are abroad now or must travel soon, please contact Lily Zhang, ISSS Director of Advising, Compliance, IT & Operations at lizhang1@upenn.edu immediately for individualized advice.

We will continue to keep you informed as the situation evolves.