DHS Changes Fee Rules for H-1B and L-1 Visa Extensions
The government changed a rule about a special fee for some H-1B and L-1 visa workers when they extend their stay.
Affects: H1B, L1, Employers · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed
What happened
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has changed rules about a fee for H-1B and L-1 visas. This fee is called the 9-11 Biometric Fee.
Before, this fee was not always paid when H-1B and L-1 workers asked to extend their stay. Now, employers must pay it for all extension requests. This includes when a worker stays with the same employer.
The fee still applies to new H-1B and L-1 visa applications, just as it did before. That part did not change.
The bigger picture
Before this change, employers sometimes paid a special fee for H-1B and L-1 visas. This was called the 9-11 Biometric Fee. But they did not always pay it when workers asked to extend their stay. The government used to understand the law differently.
The government says this fee helps pay for a system. This system uses things like fingerprints to track who enters and leaves the country. Congress told DHS to build this system. This rule change helps DHS get more money for it.
What this means for you
H1B workers
If your employer asks to extend your H-1B visa, they will now need to pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee. This is a change from how it worked before for some extensions. This fee applies even if you are staying with the same company.
L1 workers
If your employer asks to extend your L-1 visa, they will also need to pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee. This fee applies even if you are staying with the same company. This is a change from how it worked before for some extensions.
Employers
You now need to pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee for all H-1B and L-1 visa extension requests. This applies even if the worker is not changing jobs or if other fraud fees do not apply. This means an added cost for these types of extensions.
Green card applicants
No direct change for you. This rule is only about H-1B and L-1 visas. Your application process is not affected by this fee change.
What you should do
- If you are an employer of H-1B or L-1 workers, be aware that you will need to pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee for all extension requests starting now. If you are an H-1B or L-1 worker, know that your employer will now pay this fee for your extensions.
Key dates
- 2026-08-10: This rule change became effective, meaning employers must now pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee for all H-1B and L-1 visa extensions.
Words explained
- DHS
- DHS stands for Department of Homeland Security. This is a part of the U.S. government that protects the country and manages immigration.
- H-1B Visa
- An H-1B visa is a special permit for people who work in certain jobs in the U.S., often in fields like technology or science.
- L-1 Visa
- An L-1 visa is a special permit for people who work for a company outside the U.S. and are moving to work for the same company in the U.S.
- Biometric Entry-Exit System
- This is a system that uses things like fingerprints or face scans to keep track of people entering and leaving the U.S. to make borders safer.
- Extension of Status
- This is when someone asks the government for permission to stay in the U.S. longer than their original visa allowed.
Common questions
Do I have to pay this fee if I'm applying for a new H-1B or L-1 visa?
No, this rule change does not affect new applications. The fee already applied to new H-1B and L-1 visas, and it still does. This change is only about extending your stay in the U.S.
How much is this fee?
The government announcement does not say how much the fee is. It only talks about when the fee must be paid. You would need to check other official sources for the exact amount.
Does this mean my employer will pay more money for my visa?
Yes, if your employer is extending your H-1B or L-1 visa, they will now need to pay this fee in more situations than before. This could mean extra costs for them when submitting your extension request.
When did this new rule start?
The announcement was published in the Federal Register on August 10, 2026. This means the rule became effective on that date, and the changes are now in place.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.