Small businesses that rely on specialized talent have long turned to the H-1B visa as the primary route to hire foreign professionals. The new requirement that employers pay a $100,000 fee for many H-1B cases filed after September 21, 2025 has changed that calculation. For large corporations, this new cost may be absorbable but for startups, boutique firms, local clinics, research labs, engineering shops, technology innovators, and other small employers, the fee can make the H-1B category functionally unavailable. Many employers who would ordinarily pursue H-1B sponsorship are now searching for realistic alternatives. This shift does not eliminate the possibility of hiring foreign talent. It does require creative, early planning to determine whether another visa classification aligns with the company’s needs and the candidate’s background. The goal is to match the role, the qualifications, and the business structure to a category that supports employment without triggering the $100,000 H-1B entry fee.

Summertime is fast approaching and soon it will be time for, that’s right, vacation! Although many Americans will travel domestically this summer, some will set off for international destinations abroad or even to our northern neighbors in Canada or—despite the heat—head south to Mexico. For those traveling outside the US, it’s an excellent time now to check if your passport needs renewed, or to apply for your first one. Those applying for passports will see that there are actually two “passports” you can apply for: a US passport book and a US passport card. Wait, what’s a passport card? you may wonder. And what’s the difference between the two? And which one do I need? I have so many questions! It’s okay, let’s discuss.