Goa, Aug. 10 -- Indian professionals working in the United States on H-1B and L-1 visas could face indirect employment-related consequences after the US government expanded an existing immigration fee to cover certain visa extension petitions.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded the scope of the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to include H-1B and L-1 extension-of-stay petitions filed by certain employers. The final rule was published on August 10 and is scheduled to take effect on September 9, 2026.

The fee itself has not increased. Under the expanded rule, qualifying employers will have to pay $4,000 for an H-1B petition and $4,500 for an L-1 petition.

Importantly, the additional charge will not apply to ...