America's new rule will make some companies pay more for H-1B, L-1 visas
Starting September 9, the U.S. government will require companies with large H-1B or L-1 visa workforces to pay additional fees for visa extensions. The rule expands the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to include extension petitions.
Why it matters
This policy change increases the cost of doing business for companies heavily reliant on foreign talent, potentially impacting hiring and retention strategies for tech and multinational firms.
The US government has expanded the scope of 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for certain H-1B and L-1 nonimmigrant visas. Under the new rule, H-1B and L1 visa holders seeking extension will have to pay USD 4,000 and USD 4,500 fees, respectively. The fee currently applies to petitions seeking an initial grant of status. Come September 9, the fees will now be applicable to visa holders seeking extension of status. “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending the regulations concerning the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for certain H-1B and L-1 Visas (9-11 Biometric Fee),” a Federal Register document stated, adding that the new rule seeks to “correct DHS's interpretation of statutory language to require that covered employers submit the 9-11 Biometric Fee for all extension of status petitions, regardless of whether the related fraud prevention and detection fee applies, which includes extension of status petitions that…
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