Home / Business and Economy / US Broadens H-1B, L-1 Visa Extension Fees
US Broadens H-1B, L-1 Visa Extension Fees
11 Aug
Summary
- H-1B extension petitions will cost $4,000, L-1 extensions $4,500.
- Rule applies to employers with over 50 employees, half with H-1B/L-1.
- This change expands existing fees to cover more extension petitions.
A final rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will broaden the scope of existing H-1B and L-1 visa fees. Beginning September 9, 2026, specific employers will face new fees for extension petitions. Affected companies, defined as those with at least 50 employees where over half hold H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B status, must pay $4,000 per H-1B petition and $4,500 per L-1 petition.
Previously, these fees were primarily associated with new employment or employer change applications. Extensions for existing employees with the same company were generally exempt unless a fraud prevention fee applied. The DHS stated this change aligns with statutory interpretation, applying the biometric fee to all extension of status petitions. Revised petitions not extending status remain exempt.
The alteration could indirectly impact Indian technology professionals and other skilled workers by potentially influencing employers' decisions on visa renewals. Concerns raised during consultation included deterring companies from retaining H-1B employees and disadvantaging those facing long green card delays. The DHS dismissed these, arguing the fee is minor compared to other hiring costs and unlikely to decrease overall program numbers, given consistent high demand for H-1B visas.
