Democrats reportedly win Congress, but H-1B workers and F-1 students not guaranteed immediate relief
Key points
- Democrats secured majorities in both chambers after the 2026 midterms, but relief is not guaranteed
- Major policy changes still need presidential approval
- A $100,000 payment applies to certain new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US since 2025
- A proposed $70,000 OPT fee has raised concerns among students
Tupaki English reports Democrats secured majorities in both chambers after the 2026 midterms, but this does not guarantee immediate relief for H-1B applicants and F-1 students, as major policy changes need presidential approval. A $100,000 payment applies to certain new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US, and a proposed $70,000 OPT fee has raised concerns. This is not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Assess the impact of the $100,000 payment on new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Status
- Proposed rule
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- Employers filing H-1B petitions; F-1 students
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: Tupaki English ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.