US expands H-1B L-1 visa extension fees

On August 10, 2026, the United States — United States Department of Homeland Security published new rules expanding the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to cover H-1B and L-1 visa extension petitions. Previously, the fee applied only to initial petitions or job changes. Now, large employers with 50 or more US employees, where over 50% hold H-1B or L-1 status, must pay $4,000 per H-1B extension and $4,500 per L-1 extension. The rule takes effect September 9, 2026. DHS estimates it will generate approximately $157.3 million annually, designated to fund the US Customs and Border Protection Air and Sea Biometric Entry-Exit System. The fee was originally created by Congress in December 2015. This change increases immigration sponsorship costs for technology companies, global consulting firms, IT services providers, and multinational employers, particularly affecting major Indian IT services firms that rely on onshore-offshore staffing models.