US may raise H-1B, L-1 visa fees for large employers under DHS proposal

The US government is planning to expand an additional fee currently charged to certain large employers filing H-1B and L-1 visa petitions. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s regulatory agenda, a final rule expected in July could expand the “9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee’ to petitions seeking extensions of stay. At present, qualifying employers generally pay an additional $4,000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions when seeking an initial grant of status or a change of employer. The planned change could therefore increase immigration-related costs for companies that rely heavily on H-1B and L-1 workers.Which companies could face higher H-1B and L-1 visa costsNotably, the proposed additional fee will not apply to every company that employs H-1B or L-1 workers.