President Donald Trump's latest move to overhaul the US immigration system has caused uncertainty among immigrant workers, prompting the White House to clarify that the newly announced $100,000 fee for H-1B visas will apply only to new applicants and not to existing visa holders.

The president, flanked by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, on Friday signed a proclamation imposing a new fee on H-1B visas -- intended for high-skilled jobs that technology companies struggle to fill.

"Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside the country will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a posting on X. "This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not existing visa holders."

The fee takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sunday and is set to remain in place for one year. However, it may be extended if the government determines it is in the national interest to do so.

In a separate social media clarification, the White House said that the rule "does not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to/from the U.S."