Department of Homeland Security Plans to Increase Fees for H-1B and L-1 Visas, Impacting Large Employers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to expand the '9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee' for certain large employers filing H-1B and L-1 visa petitions. This fee, currently applicable to initial grants or changes of employer status, may soon extend to petitions for extensions of stay. The fee is imposed on employers with more than 50 employees in the U.S., where over 50% of the workforce is on H-1B or L-1 visas. Currently, these employers pay an additional $4,000 for H-1B and $4,500 for L-1 petitions. The proposed change, expected to be finalized in July, aims to increase immigration-related costs for companies heavily reliant on these visa categories. 
