In 2025, the United States is to make considerable changes to the procedure related to the application of the work permit to foreigners. These developments are indicative of the attempts by the government to control immigration through employment stricter and at the same time to balance the demand of foreign skilled labour. To be successful in obtaining their work permits, the foreign citizens who want to work in the US according to the new regulations should be aware of the new process, criteria, and limitations that will be implemented in 2025.
| Visa Type | Fee Introduced 2025 | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B | $100,000 | Sept 21, 2025 |
| Others | No new fee | N/A |
| Current approvals | Exempt | Pre-Sept 21, 2025 |
| Key Application Steps | Responsible Party | Timeline Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Employer files Form I-129 | Employer | 1-2 months |
| USCIS petition approval | USCIS | 3-6 months |
| Visa application & interview | Foreign worker | 1-3 months |
| Employment-Based Categories | Priority Date Status | Countries Affected |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Advanced | China, India |
| EB-2 | Advanced | All major countries |
| EB-3 | Advanced | China, India, Philippines |
The effects of the new rules and Presidential Proclamation are affected.
Among the significant alterations in 2025, there is the Presidential Proclamation adopted on September 19, 2025, which restricts the admission of some nonimmigrant workers, in particular, regarding H-1B visas. This announcement consists of a new fee of 100,000 dollars on numerous new H-1B visa applications, to resolve the issues of abuse and exploitation with regards to this type of visa. But these limits are only prospective to new petitions submitted after September 21, 2025. The fee and entry restrictions do not apply to employees whose approved petition was made before this date. This policy makes a better differentiation between current visa holders and newcomers so that there is a transition period and the current workers will not be disrupted as much.
Application to work in the United Arab Emirates is a process requiring a fee which is determined by the local labour ministry on a case-by-case basis.
The application process starts with an employer submitting a petition on behalf of the foreign worker through Form I-129 that seeks permission of a nonimmigrant worker. The job offer, salary and job description are supported documents. The employers should also show evidence of adhering to the wage provision whereby the foreign worker will be paid the prevailing wage or even more. After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, having approved the petition, the employee can apply to obtain the work permit and, in case not within the US, the visa at any U.S. embassy or consulate.
The following are some of the major eligibility requirements and documentation.
The foreign applicants should possess a legitimate offer of employment by an employer in the United States and should prove to have the required qualifications and credentials to work in the respective job. This is usually in special areas where one needs at least a bachelors degree or some level of experience. Employers have to be documented with their Federal Tax ID, job description and evidence on wage compliance. Documents provided to employees consist of copy of passport, education certificates and previous work experience. There is also posting a labor condition application at the workplace so as to demonstrate compliance with the wage and employment standards.
Visa Bulletin and Employment Categories Visa Bulletin lists the Visa categories available and their application under the Visa Categories section.
The Green card and visa priority date continue to be controlled by the U.S. Department of State October 2025 Visa Bulletin which affects the timing of other employment-based categories. EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories have moved in the right direction and they have impacted the applications of the Chinese, Indians, and Filipinos. These classifications have an impact on the speed of acquisition of permanent residency by foreign workers, including work permits renewals and extensions.
There are difficulties and strategic implications on the part of the applicants.
Employers and foreign workers should grapple through the new laws. Approvals can be delayed by the growing charges, the tightened entry requirements and the prolonged verification procedures. But, by being proactive in meeting the USCIS requirements and filing the petitions at the right time, the application process can be made easier. People should also seek the advice of immigration specialists and monitor the policy developments so that they implement changes to the strategies.
FAQs
Q1: Who needs a U.S. work permit in 2025?
Foreigners interested in the employment of the U.S. and those not citizens or permanent residents have to receive work authorization, which is not possible without employer-sponsored visas.
Q2: What is the impact of new H-1B, which is a fee of 100,000 dollars?
This fee will apply to applicants who have their petitions submitted on or after September 21, 2025, which could lead to a rise in the expenses of employers and influence their hiring decisions.
Q3: Does the new regulations have the potential to deny entry to workers who have already had H-1B visas?
No, employees who have received approved H-1B applications prior to September 21, 2025, or whose visa is still valid are permitted to enter the country and work without any new limitations.
This new structure of the U.S. work permits in the year 2025 requires proper planning on behalf of both the employer and foreign workers in order to guarantee compliance and continuous employment provisions. To be successful under such new rules, it is important to be aware of the procedures and deadlines.
