Key Takeaways:
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intends to introduce a $4,000 fee for extending H-1B visas and $4,500 for L-1 visa extensions.
- The new rule is open for public comment until July 8, 2024.
- The fees aim to fund US entry and exit programs, prevent visa fraud, and enhance national security.
To strengthen security measures, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intends to implement new fees: $4,000 for extending an H-1B visa and $4,500 for extending an L-1 visa.
This new regulation will be published and open for public comment on July 8. It aims to fund US entry and exit programs, prevent visa fraud, and enhance national security, according to PlanetWirePR
The 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee (9-11 Biometric Fee) applies exclusively to petitioners filing an H-1B or L-1 petition. This fee is required if the petitioner employs 50 or more employees in the US, and more than 50% of those employees hold H-1B or L-1 visas.
The fee is $4,000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions.
Ongoing Attempts to Fund US Biometric Entry & Exit Systems
Under the proposed changes, these fees would now apply to visa extension petitions as well, requiring employers to pay $4,000 and $4,500 not only for initial petitions or changes of the employer but also for extending the employment period of H-1B and L-1 visa holders. However, the DHS has clarified that any changes to fee requirements would not take effect until a final regulation is issued.
The US H-1B temporary work visa allows US employers to hire qualified foreign workers for speciality jobs when such employees cannot be found in the US. Similarly, the L-1 visa is a temporary work visa that allows individuals to transfer from a company in their home country to a US branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company.
This visa enables companies of all sizes, from large corporations to medium and small businesses, to transfer employees to the United States, provided there is a related company in the US. The 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee (9-11 Biometric Fee) was introduced on December 18, 2015, for specific H-1B and L-1 petitions.
Congress has consistently sought to fund biometric entry and exit programs to enhance security, combat visa and travel document fraud, and protect the US from terrorism. The 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee applies when a visa is issued and extensions are granted due to a change in employer. A US company must pay the fee if it hires a foreign employee and wants to extend their stay.
You may have questions regarding a US Immigration regulation. You can contact The Law Offices of Prashanthi Reddy for detailed guidance and assistance for the h1B Visa and l1 Visa Rules. Their team will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at The Law Offices of Prashanthi Reddy have decades of experience helping people work and live in New York, United States. Attorney Provided Immigration Services to other U.S. states, such as New York, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, and California. Contact them today to assess your legal situation.
