H-1B and L-1 Visa: US Considers Expanding Renewal Fee Rules for Large Employers
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is moving forward with a regulatory plan to expand an existing immigration surcharge on H-1B and L-1 visa petitions to include stay-extension applications.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering expanding an existing surcharge on H-1B and L-1 visas to include renewal petitions filed by certain large employers, a move that could significantly increase immigration costs for companies that depend on skilled foreign workers. The proposal, outlined in the DHS regulatory agenda, is part of the Trump administration's broader immigration policy review and has not yet been finalised, according to a report.
H-1B and L-1 Visa Renewal Fees
Under the proposal, employers that have 50 or more employees, with more than half of their US workforce on H-1B or L-1 visas, would be required to pay an additional surcharge not only for new petitions and change-of-employer applications but also for visa renewal petitions. Are H-1B Visas at Risk for Indians? Know All About Proposed US Fee Hikes on Renewals.
Currently, these employers pay an extra $4,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $4,500 for certain L-1 petitions. If the proposal is implemented, the same surcharge would also apply each time an eligible employer seeks to extend an employee's visa, increasing long-term employment costs.
Impact on Indian Professionals and Tech Companies
The proposed rule is expected to have the greatest impact on Indian professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders in the United States. Large technology and IT services companies, which regularly file extension petitions to retain skilled workers, could face substantially higher immigration-related expenses.
Industry experts say the additional costs may influence hiring strategies, workforce planning and project staffing, particularly for companies with a heavy reliance on foreign talent. H-1B Visas Could Be Paused for 3 Years Under New US Bill; What It Means for Indians Professionals.
Existing Surcharge May Be Expanded
The additional fee, known as the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, was introduced to support biometric border security and entry-exit tracking systems. At present, it applies only to specific H-1B and L-1 petitions filed by qualifying large employers.
Rather than introducing a new fee, the DHS proposal would broaden the circumstances under which the existing surcharge is collected by including extension applications.
Proposal Still Under Review
The proposal is part of the DHS regulatory agenda and has not yet become law. Before taking effect, it is expected to go through the formal rule-making process, which may include publication of a proposed rule, a public comment period and administrative review.
Until a final rule is issued, the current H-1B and L-1 visa fee structure remains unchanged. Employers and immigration experts are closely monitoring the proposal, given its potential implications for businesses that rely on highly skilled foreign workers and for professionals seeking to continue working in the United States.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 12:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
