White House extends H-1B entry restriction and $100,000 payment policy

The White House issued a Sept. 18, 2026 proclamation extending Proclamation 10973 for another 12 months. Plain English: the proclamation continues the restriction on entry for certain H-1B specialty occupation workers unless the petition is accompanied or supplemented by a $100,000 payment, subject to limited exceptions. The text says DHS will restrict decisions on petitions not accompanied by the payment for H-1B workers who are currently outside the United States, and that the restriction applies to people who enter or try to enter after the proclamation’s effective date. It also allows national-interest exceptions at the Secretary of Homeland Security’s discretion. This is general information, not legal advice; affected workers and employers should read the official proclamation and consult qualified counsel for case-specific questions.