The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is likely introduce a new H-1B extension fee for employers of skilled international workers on the H-1B visa. The new ruling would mandate a $4,000 fee for all H-1B visa extensions — a move aimed at reducing visa fraud and boosting national security. It will also impose a $4,500 fee for L-1 visa extensions, which allow companies to transfer managers and executives from foreign offices to the US.The new extension fees are likely to come into effect from July 8
Currently, only companies with over 50 employees and more than half of them on H-1B or L-1 visas are obligated to pay these fees, as per the 911 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee introduced in 2015. The new rule, however, would expand this fee requirement to all petitions for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions.
The H-1B visa is a favored route for international business school students looking to work in the US. Upon obtaining sponsorship from an employer who petitions the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), successful applicants can work in the US for three years after completing a higher education degree.
Similarly, the L-1 visa allows US companies to bring over managers and executives from their overseas offices.
“These proposed changes aim to strengthen our immigration system and ensure the integrity of employment-based visa programs while also safeguarding national security,” said the DHS.
The DHS has confirmed that the new fees for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions will not become mandatory until a final ruling is issued. This adjustment places an additional financial burden on businesses employing international talent but is touted as necessary for bolstering national security.
What will change
Employers with 50 or more employees in the US where over 50% are on H-1B or L-1 visas have to pay the fee for initial petitions or when there is a change of employer. The fees are $4000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions.
Now these fees will have to be paid for visa extension petitions as well.
What will be the impact?
If implemented, employers who rely heavily on H-1B and L-1B visas will have an increased financial burdens which may force them to reassess their hiring strategies.
Currently, only companies with over 50 employees and more than half of them on H-1B or L-1 visas are obligated to pay these fees, as per the 911 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee introduced in 2015. The new rule, however, would expand this fee requirement to all petitions for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions.
The H-1B visa is a favored route for international business school students looking to work in the US. Upon obtaining sponsorship from an employer who petitions the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), successful applicants can work in the US for three years after completing a higher education degree.
Similarly, the L-1 visa allows US companies to bring over managers and executives from their overseas offices.
“These proposed changes aim to strengthen our immigration system and ensure the integrity of employment-based visa programs while also safeguarding national security,” said the DHS.
The DHS has confirmed that the new fees for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions will not become mandatory until a final ruling is issued. This adjustment places an additional financial burden on businesses employing international talent but is touted as necessary for bolstering national security.
What will change
Employers with 50 or more employees in the US where over 50% are on H-1B or L-1 visas have to pay the fee for initial petitions or when there is a change of employer. The fees are $4000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions.
Now these fees will have to be paid for visa extension petitions as well.
What will be the impact?
If implemented, employers who rely heavily on H-1B and L-1B visas will have an increased financial burdens which may force them to reassess their hiring strategies.
