Presidential Proclamation Restricting Entry for H-1B Visa Holders
Based on a presidential proclamation made September 19, 2025, the entry of H-1B workers currently outside of the United States will be subject to a $100,000 supplemental government fee or a national interest exemption to enter the country.
The proclamation "requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 21, 2025," and does not "apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 21, 2025."
The U.S. Department of State released a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the recent presidential proclamation regarding entry for H-1B visa holders.
- H-1B scholars currently abroad may re-enter the U.S. as usual with the required immigration documents; see the scholar travel webpage.
- H-1B extension fees have not changed as a result of this action and extensions/amendments may continue.
- The proclamation does not restrict current H-1B visa holders from traveling abroad.
- While travel is ultimately an individual decision, it is highly recommended international employees reach out to UCD Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) prior to making travel arrangements.
If you are a current UC ANR employee on an approved or pending H-1B visa, UC ANR HR will be in contact with you should you need to take any action due to the proclamation.
Recruitment and Compliance Implications
Because of the increasing complexity in navigating the compliance requirements around visa sponsorship, UC ANR will begin adjusting the recruitment process to address the new limitations while continuing to respect and support our current international employees.
- Effective October 1, 2025, UC ANR will no longer offer visa sponsorship for any new hires.
- Currently sponsored employees will continue to be supported to the extent possible. SISS will continue to reach out to all sponsored employees and HR will reach out to anyone with a unique situation.
HR will coordinate with current search committees within the coming days with updated language and FAQs regarding impact to searches already underway.
America First Memorandum for USDA Arrangements and Research Security
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a new directive, “America First Memorandum for USDA Arrangements and Research Security” accompanied by the National Farm Security Action Plan. These measures introduce restrictions, compliance obligations, and eligibility requirements for all USDA-funded research activities both domestic and international.
The memo states: “USDA employees and affiliates are prohibited from knowingly allowing access to, or use of, any USDA owned, operated, or co-located Federal facility, property, non-public data, equipment, or system by a foreign entity to conduct activities without a USDA-approved arrangement in place.”
USDA employees are prohibited from granting non-US citizens access to facilities, systems, or data without a formally approved plan, which may include federal background checks and additional documentation. This means access to USDA facilities is limited and controlled and may impact access to research projects on USDA sites.
Employees with questions may reach out to Becky Sisman, bsisman@ucanr.edu, for more information.