**The big picture:** The White House has extended a $100,000 H-1B visa fee and mandated stricter compliance oversight for employers, despite a federal court order currently blocking its collection. **Why it matters:** This move signals heightened scrutiny on H-1B programs, increasing compliance complexities and impacting sponsorship strategies for companies relying on international talent. **Between the lines:** - The $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions is extended through September 21, 2027. - A July 2026 federal court order currently prevents USCIS from collecting this fee, pending appeal. - Employers' past or planned layoffs will now influence H-1B visa adjudications. **Staffing & HR impact:** HR and talent acquisition teams face increased regulatory burdens and uncertainty in H-1B sponsorship, potentially affecting talent mobility and operational costs. Compliance with new layoff considerations adds another layer of complexity to visa applications. **The bottom line:** The legal battle over the H-1B fee continues, creating a volatile landscape for employers and demanding close monitoring of judicial outcomes.