Guam Delegate James Moylan’s office is seeking answers from federal agencies after the White House announced a new H-1B visa fee policy that could significantly affect workers and employers on the island. The policy, signed last week, raises the annual fee for H-1B applications to $100,000.
In a statement, Moylan’s office said it is awaiting formal guidance on whether the fee will apply to both existing and future H-1B workers in Guam. Questions also remain about whether exemptions could be made for the territory and how the change may affect federal contractors and essential projects, including those tied to the military buildup.
Moylan stressed that his office is actively engaging with federal partners to ensure Guam’s concerns are taken into account, particularly regarding health care professionals and other critical workers who rely on H-1B visas to remain on island. “Please know that Congressman Moylan is actively engaging with the relevant agencies to ensure Guam’s concerns are heard and considered,” the statement said.
The delegate’s office pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, businesses, health care providers and government contractors are waiting to learn how the steep fee increase will be implemented and what relief options, if any, may be available for Guam.