Trump administration proposes hike in H-1B extension fees, employers should note

The Story in Brief

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed expanding the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee so it applies to extension-of-stay petitions for H-1B and L-1 visas. The proposal, now in the final stage of federal rulemaking, would require certain employers to pay an additional $4,000 for each H-1B extension and $4,500 for each L-1 extension, on top of existing USCIS filing fees. The fee currently applies to initial H-1B and L-1 petitions and change-of-employer petitions; the amendment would extend it to extensions regardless of whether the employee changes employers.

DHS says the change is intended to generate funding to maintain and expand the biometric entry-exit system used by Customs and Border Protection, including deployment at more air, sea and land ports and a comprehensive biometric exit system mandated by Congress. The extra charge would apply only to employers with 50 or more US employees and where more than 50% of the workforce is in H-1B or L-1 status. The proposal was first published in June 2024, appeared in the 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda, and has not yet taken effect; it would cover petitions filed through 30 September 2027 if finalised.

The Indian Opinion

Some commentary may frame this as a sweeping new burden on all employers who hire foreign talent, but the proposal’s scope is narrower: it targets firms meeting specific size and visa-share thresholds. The story correctly notes DHS’s stated aim to fund biometric systems, yet factual uncertainty remains about the rule’s final form and timing. An ordinary Indian reader with family or colleagues on H-1B/L-1 should note that many employers will not be affected, while those that are could face substantial per-extension costs. It is reasonable to await the final rule and implementation details before assessing broader economic effects.

Original article: H-1B visa extension fees could rise: What employers need to know about Trump Admin’s proposal (www.livemint.com)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.