Clarifying fee structures for F-1 OPT students pursuing H-1B sponsorship.
Many F-1 OPT students in Virginia worry about the $100K fee when considering H-1B sponsorship. Get Wisa provides clear, data-backed information to demystify this fee and explain the exemptions for Change of Status applications.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| $100K Fee Applicability | Consular processing ONLY | Stable |
| F-1 OPT Change of Status Fee | EXEMPT from $100K fee | Stable |
| Total Verified Sponsors (Wisa) | 45,000+ | N/A |
| FY2027 Lottery Odds (Overall) | 35.3% | ↓ 27% |
Our analysis of USCIS fee structures reveals that the $100K fee is specifically tied to employers who petition for H-1B visas for employees who will be working abroad or outside the U.S. for extended periods, or for those who have previously worked abroad. This distinction is often missed by applicants.
If your employer is petitioning for you to change status from F-1 OPT to H-1B while remaining in the U.S., you are exempt from the $100K fee. Always confirm this with your employer's legal counsel to avoid confusion.
For F-1 OPT students in Virginia considering H-1B sponsorship in 2026, understanding the fee structure is paramount. The $100K fee, often a source of anxiety, is specifically levied on employers for H-1B petitions where the beneficiary will work outside the U.S. or has previously worked abroad. Crucially, for those applying for a Change of Status from F-1 OPT to H-1B while remaining within the United States, this fee is explicitly waived.
This exemption significantly eases the financial burden for many international professionals. With over 45,000 verified sponsors in the Get Wisa database, the focus should be on finding employers with a strong sponsorship history. The overall FY2027 lottery selection odds were 35.3%, underscoring the importance of securing sponsorship from a reliable employer.
While the $100K fee is specific to certain petition types, the general sponsorship activity of companies remains a key indicator. Here are top filers who may sponsor OPT students for H-1B Change of Status:
Q: Do Virginia OPT students need to pay the $100K H-1B fee for a Change of Status?
A: No, F-1 OPT students applying for a Change of Status to H-1B while remaining in the U.S. are exempt from the $100K fee.
Q: When does the $100K H-1B fee apply?
A: The $100K fee applies only to H-1B petitions where the employee will work outside the U.S. or has prior foreign employment history.
Q: How can I verify if a company in Virginia is a legitimate H-1B sponsor?
A: Use Get Wisa to search over 45,000 verified sponsors. Our database provides historical filing data, approval rates, and salary information.
Q: What were the overall H-1B lottery odds for FY2027?
A: The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were approximately 35.3%, a decrease from the previous year.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No, F-1 OPT students applying for a Change of Status to H-1B while remaining in the U.S. are exempt from the $100K fee.
The $100K fee applies only to H-1B petitions where the employee will work outside the U.S. or has prior foreign employment history.
Use Get Wisa to search over 45,000 verified sponsors. Our database provides historical filing data, approval rates, and salary information.
The overall selection odds for the FY2027 H-1B lottery were approximately 35.3%, a decrease from the previous year.