Columbia University braces for potential $20 million burden as new H-1B visa fee targets universities
Columbia University could face a substantial financial impact if the Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visas is implemented, as reported by the Columbia Spectator. The fee, announced in a White House proclamation on September 19, 2025, could cost the University up to $20 million annually, according to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While current H-1B visa holders and renewals are not affected, new visa petitions filed after September 21 would be subject to the levy, placing additional strain on universities that rely heavily on international talent for research and teaching.
New H-1B hires could drive costs
In the 2025 fiscal year, Columbia sponsored 112 new H-1B visa hires, including postdoctoral fellows, assistant professors, and research staff, out of a total of 217 active visas. Previous fiscal years saw 189 and 168 new hires in 2023 and 2024, respectively. If hiring patterns remain consistent, the proposed $100,000 fee per visa could translate into $10–20 million in extra costs annually. However, some new hires are visa transfers from other employers, which may not be subject to the fee.
Clarifying the scope of the fee
Columbia’s International Student and Scholars Office clarified that the new fee applies only to petitions filed after 12:01 a.m. on September 21, 2025. Individuals with an approved H-1B visa or approved I-797 are not affected, and the fee does not interfere with travel to or from the United States. A spokesperson emphasized that “the situation is fluid” as the University evaluates the potential implications for its recruitment of international researchers and staff.
Columbia’s H-1B Program and national standing
Columbia ranks 11th nationally among educational institutions sponsoring H-1B visas, according to USCIS data for fiscal year 2025. The H-1B program allows universities to hire highly skilled foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, including research scientists, medical residents, and postdoctoral fellows. Unlike corporations, universities are exempt from the annual H-1B lottery and cap, enabling more flexibility in recruiting international talent.
Previous federal challenges
The proposed H-1B fee comes on the heels of significant federal pressure on Columbia. In March 2025, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts, citing the University’s alleged inaction regarding harassment of Jewish students. This included a $250 million freeze by the National Institutes of Health, halting payments on existing research and cutting off new funding. As a result, Columbia laid off nearly 180 researchers.Earlier in July, Columbia reached a settlement with the federal government, agreeing to pay $200 million over three years and establish a $21 million claims fund for Jewish employees affected by antisemitism. As part of this agreement, Columbia committed to reviewing admissions processes to strengthen oversight of international students.
Looking ahead
The proposed fee adds another layer of uncertainty for Columbia as it continues to attract top international researchers and staff. Universities nationwide are closely monitoring the proclamation, which could reshape how institutions recruit and retain foreign talent in high-demand academic fields.
