US confirms H-1B1 visa for Singaporeans remains unchanged despite new H-1B fee rule

The US Embassy in Singapore has clarified that Singapore citizens applying for the H-1B1 visa will not be subject to the recently announced US$100,000 fee tied to the H-1B visa program.

Embassy Clarification

On September 29, 2025, the US Embassy in Singapore announced that the H-1B1 visa scheme remains unchanged, stressing that President Donald Trump’s September 19 proclamation applies only to the H-1B visa. The Embassy wrote in a Facebook post: “There is no change to the H-1B1 process at this time.”

H-1B vs. H-1B1

The H-1B visa is a temporary three-year permit for skilled foreign professionals holding at least a bachelor’s degree. It is renewable and often seen as a pathway toward permanent residency. By contrast, the H-1B1 visa—created under the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in 2003—is available only to Singaporeans and Chileans. It is valid for one year, non-immigrant in nature, and explicitly excludes permanent residency.

Visa Caps and Occupations

Each year, the H-1B1 visa program allows up to 5,400 Singaporeans and 1,400 Chileans to work in the US. Applicants must demonstrate that they have no intention to immigrate and typically work in specialized fields such as engineering, biotechnology, and medicine. This subcategory is carved out of the broader H-1B quota of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 available for graduates of US institutions with advanced degrees.

Recent Visa Data

According to the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, 939 H-1B1 visas were granted to Singaporeans in fiscal year 2024, slightly down from 944 in FY2023 and 927 in FY2022. The figure was significantly higher than 489 in FY2021. The program began in 2004, when just 46 visas were issued to Singaporeans in its inaugural year.

Significance for Singaporeans

For Singaporean professionals, the clarification removes uncertainty over potential new costs. The H-1B1 remains a crucial pathway for those seeking short-term work opportunities in the US, particularly in high-demand technical sectors.

The US Embassy’s confirmation reassures Singaporean citizens that the H-1B1 visa remains unaffected by the recent H-1B fee increase. As one of the few nations with an exclusive visa arrangement with the US, Singapore continues to benefit from opportunities for its skilled workers without additional financial burdens.

Sources: Straits Times (2025) , The Business Times (2025)

Keywords: Singapore, H-1B1 Visa, US Embassy, H-1B Fee, Free Trade Agreement, Skilled Workers