The U.S. Treasury Department launched an online portal for employers to pay a newly announced $100,000 fee tied to certain H‑1B petitions, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services clarified who must remit the payment. USCIS said the charge applies to new H‑1B petitions filed on or after Sept. 21 for beneficiaries outside the U.S. or for petitions requesting consular notification; it does not apply to in‑country extension or change‑of‑status requests that are approved. Business groups and universities that rely on international scholars have already filed lawsuits challenging the fee, arguing it exceeds executive authority and will hamper U.S. competitiveness for academic talent.