Singapore H1B1 Visa: No Fee for Citizens – US Embassy
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H-1B1 Visa for Singaporeans Unaffected by New US Fee
What Happened?
Singapore citizens seeking temporary work in the United States under the one-year H-1B1 visa program are not subject to the recently announced US$100,000 (S$129,000) fee levied on the three-year H-1B work visa. The US embassy in Singapore clarified this in a Facebook post on september 29th, stating that the changes announced by US President Donald Trump on September 19th apply solely to the H-1B visa.
Understanding the Visas: H-1B vs. H-1B1
The confusion stems from the differences between the H-1B and H-1B1 visas.Here’s a breakdown:
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a temporary visa allowing skilled foreign workers, typically those with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, to work in the United States. It’s renewable every three years and often serves as a pathway to permanent residency (a green card). The recent changes announced by President Trump considerably increase the cost and scrutiny associated with this visa.
H-1B1 Visa
the H-1B1 visa is a specialized visa *exclusively* available to citizens of Singapore and Chile.A key requirement is demonstrating a lack of intent to immigrate to the United states. Unlike the H-1B, it does not offer a path to permanent residency. The visa is typically granted for one year and can be extended.
| Feature | H-1B Visa | H-1B1 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Skilled foreign workers with a bachelor’s degree | Citizens of Singapore and Chile |
| Duration | Renewable every 3 years | Typically 1 year,extendable |
| Path to permanent Residency | Yes (Green Card) | No |
| New Fee (as of Sept 2023) | US$100,000 (approx. S$129,000) | None |
Why the H-1B1 Visa Exists
The H-1B1 visa program was established through a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States, Singapore, and Chile. It’s designed to facilitate the temporary exchange of professional and skilled workers between these countries, fostering economic cooperation. The program reflects a specific commitment to these nations, differentiating it from the broader H-1B program.
Impact and Implications
This clarification is notable for Singaporeans who rely on the H-1B1 visa for short-term work assignments in the US. The new H-1B fee would have substantially increased the cost for companies sponsoring workers under that visa, potentially impacting project