New US Immigration Rule Increases Costs for H-1B and L-1 Extensions

The US Department of Homeland Security will expand the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to include H-1B and L-1 extension petitions starting September 9, 2026.

Qualifying employers with at least 50 employees, where over 50 percent are on H-1B or L-1 visas, must pay $4,000 for H-1B and $4,500 for L-1 extensions.

The measure is expected to generate $157.3 million annually, impacting large IT firms that rely on Indian professionals, who accounted for 71 percent of H-1B approvals in fiscal year 2024.