ACEC Comments on Engineering Industry Exemption from the New H-1B Visa Fee

Re: Presidential proclamation on Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers

Dear Secretary Noem:

On behalf of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), I am writing to request an exemption for the engineering industry from the $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions because of the significant and persistent shortage of engineers in the U.S. and the critical role the profession plays in supporting a growing economy.

Founded in 1906, ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations representing more than 5,500 engineering firms and over 600,000 engineers, surveyors, architects, and other specialists nationwide. According to the ACEC Research Institute, the engineering industry contributed $685 billion to U.S. GDP in 2024, including $262 billion in direct value added and $423 billion from supply chain and household spending impacts.1

Download the letter to read more