Kenyans already working in the United States under H-1B visas will not pay the newly announced Ksh13 million ($100,000) fee.
On Saturday, September 20, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified that the charge is a one-time fee for new petitions only, not an annual levy as initially feared. “This is not an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition,” she stated on X.
Her clarification followed confusion sparked by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who had earlier suggested the fee could be charged yearly. Leavitt assured that current visa holders, renewals, and Kenyans already working in the U.S. remain unaffected, even if they are temporarily outside the country.
Why It Matters
The H-1B visa is one of the most important pathways for Kenyans seeking U.S. employment. It allows American companies to hire foreign professionals in fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Many Kenyan tech specialists have used the visa to secure jobs with firms like Amazon and Google.
New Rules Apply Only to Applicants
The new Ksh13 million fee will apply to new applicants entering the next H-1B lottery cycle. Lutnick explained that the measure is designed to protect U.S. workers from being undercut by cheaper foreign labor.
H-1B visas are issued for three years and can be extended to six. A unique advantage is the “dual intent” feature, which lets holders apply for U.S. permanent residency while working.
Government data shows that IT workers on H-1B visas now make up 65% of the U.S. tech workforce, compared to 32% in 2003, fueling debates on job competition.
For now, Kenyans already on the program can continue working and traveling freely without worrying about the hefty new fee.
