Now Reading: New US rule hikes H-1B costs for visa-dependent employers
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New US rule hikes H-1B costs for visa-dependent employers
A new US rule will require visa-dependent employers to pay a recurring biometric fee every time they file an H-1B extension petition, raising costs for companies that rely on foreign talent. The…
The Story in Brief
A new US rule will require visa-dependent employers to pay a recurring biometric fee every time they file an H-1B extension petition, raising costs for companies that rely on foreign talent. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that the levy, created in 2015 but previously collected only with fraud prevention fees, now applies to all extension requests. Employers, not employees, must bear the charge.
DHS estimates the change will generate an extra $37.9 million in fiscal 2026. Indian technology professionals could be affected if employers reconsider the expense of retaining workers with long green card waits. The National Herald reports that DHS dismissed concerns the rule would reduce H-1B hiring, arguing the fee is modest compared with salaries and relocation costs.
The Indian Opinion
The US Department of Homeland Security’s sudden discovery of the 'correct' interpretation of a 2015 law looks convenient. It claims the extra $40 million a year is needed for biometric systems, but the burden falls squarely on employers, who may pass it on by hiring fewer Indian tech workers. The real test is whether H-1B denial rates rise in fiscal 2027. Until then, this is a regulatory squeeze dressed up as technical compliance.
Source: nationalheraldindia.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
