IU Episode 055: The Gold Card, the $100K H‑1B Fee, and the End of Paper Checks

In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman and attorney Divij Kishore delve into three significant developments affecting U.S. immigration policy: the new USCIS rule mandating electronic payments, the controversial $100,000 H-1B filing fee, and the introduction of the Trump Gold Card.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. USCIS Electronic Payments: Beginning October 28, 2025, USCIS will only accept electronic payments, eliminating paper checks and money orders. This change aims to modernize the payment system and reduce administrative issues. Practitioners express concerns over data security when transmitting payment information through mail.
2. $100,000 H-1B Filing Fee: Effective September 21, 2025, this fee will apply to numerous employer petitions, stirring confusion and anxiety among clients and firms. Diluting the benefits for cap-exempt employers, this substantial fee may hinder the hiring of skilled foreign labor and disrupt existing visa processes.
3. Trump Gold Card: Signed into existence on September 19, 2023, the Gold Card allows high-net-worth individuals to expedite the process for obtaining a green card in return for a significant financial contribution to the U.S. economy. Critics argue this approach commodifies immigration, potentially undermining the traditional standards of extraordinary ability and national interest.

Amid these discussions, Kishore emphasizes that such policy changes create uncertainty, urging practitioners and clients to remain adaptable in this evolving landscape. The conversation highlights vital implications for immigration lawyers, their practices, and the clients they serve in navigating these ongoing changes in U.S. immigration law.