The landscape of American immigration has shifted dramatically this year. If you are an international professional, a HR manager, or a business owner, the USA Employment Visa Travel Restrictions 2026 are likely at the top of your priority list.
With the activation of Presidential Proclamation 10998 and the financial overhaul of the H-1B system, navigating the “Land of Opportunity” now requires a map of new regulations. This guide breaks down everything from the 39-country travel ban to the controversial $100,000 H-1B filing fee.
The New Legal Framework: Proclamations and Orders
New big rules started in 2026. These rules come from the President.
- Executive Order 14161 & Proclamation 10998 In late 2025, the President signed Executive Order 14161. This started very strict checks on people who want to enter the US. Then, Presidential Proclamation 10998 came on January 1, 2026. This rule stops many people from some countries from coming to the US. The reason is problems with security, ID papers, and sharing information between countries.
- Section 212(f) of the INA The President uses an old law called Section 212(f). This law gives him power to stop any group of people from entering America if it is not good for the country. The government checks these rules every 180 days. So the list of banned countries can change fast.
Geographic Restrictions: The 39-Country List
Now in January 2026, the US has rules for 39 countries. These countries are in two groups.
Full Entry Suspension (Total Ban)
For these countries, almost no new visas are given. This means very few people can come for work or to live. Main countries in this group: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Syria, Iran, North Korea, Mali, Niger, Chad, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and a few more. If you are from one of these countries and you do not have a visa already, it is almost impossible to get a new work visa. Only very special cases get permission (called National Interest Waiver).
People who use papers from the Palestinian Authority also cannot enter. They have the full ban.
Partial Suspension (Visa Specific)
For these countries, some visas are stopped, but not all. Common stopped visas: visitor visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F), and exchange visas (J). Main countries: Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Angola, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and some others. Work visas like H-1B and L-1 are not fully banned. But there is a big problem. The US offices outside America can delay these visas for a very long time or give very short visas.
Important note: If you already have a visa that was given before January 1, 2026, you can still use it to enter the US. The new rules do not cancel old visas. But when your visa expires, and you apply again from a banned country, the new strict rules will apply.
Employment Visa Changes: The $100,000 H-1B Fee
The biggest change for work is the new cost for H-1B visas. H-1B is for skilled workers.
- The $100,000 Filing Fee Now there is a new big fee of $100,000 for many H-1B applications. This fee is for new cases where the worker is outside the US or changing from some other visa. The government says this fee helps protect American workers’ jobs and salaries.
- Wage-Based Selection The old random lottery for H-1B is almost gone. Now the system gives priority to jobs with high salaries. Higher pay means more chance to get the visa.
- The Trump Gold Card Program Rich people have a new option. If one person pays $1 million directly to the government, they can get permanent stay in the US very fast. If a company pays $2 million, they can also get this benefit. This is different from the old EB-5 visa. EB-5 needs money in a business that makes jobs. The Gold Card is simple and fast for people who have a lot of money.
At the Border: New Vetting & Biometrics
Even when you have a visa, coming to the US border is now harder.
- Biometric Entry-Exit System Since the end of 2025, everyone who is not a US citizen must give face photos when they arrive and when they leave. This system helps the US know if someone stays too long.
- Social Media Mining & 221(g) US officers check your social media for up to 10 years. If they see anything they do not like, they put your case in extra checking. This is called 221(g). It can take 60 to 90 days or even more.
Financial Impact for Employers
Employers now pay much more money. Here are the main changes (from March 1, 2026):
- Premium Processing for I-129: Old fee $2,805 → New fee $2,965
- New H-1B fee: Old $0 → New $100,000
- Premium Processing for OPT/STEM: Old $1,685 → New $1,780
Many companies stop hiring people from other countries. They wait until the visa is fully approved. This stops problems if the worker has to go back home and then cannot return.
Next Steps for Travelers
- Check your passport. Make sure it has a chip for biometrics.
- Talk to an immigration lawyer. Ask if your country will get new restrictions soon.
- Save extra money. Fees will go up from March 1, 2026.
These new rules make it hard for many people to work in the US. But some people with very high skills or a lot of money still have ways to come. Always check the official US government websites (like USCIS or Department of State) for the latest information.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the U.S. Department of State or USCIS, before making decisions.