Washington: The Trump administration has introduced a new rule increasing fees related to the renewal of H-1B and L-1 visas in the United States. The revised fees are scheduled to take effect from September 9.
Under the new rule, employers will be required to pay an additional $4,000 for H-1B visa renewals and $4,500 for L-1 visa renewals. The amounts are approximately ₹3.8 lakh and ₹4.2 lakh respectively.
The additional amount will be collected under the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, which applies to certain foreign workers employed in the United States.
Previously, this fee was generally charged when an employee applied for the visa for the first time or when changing employers. Under the new rule, the fee will also apply in eligible visa renewal cases.
The regulation will mainly affect companies in the United States that have more than 50 employees, with over 50% of their workforce employed under H-1B or L-1 visa categories.
Indian companies with branches or significant operations in the United States are also expected to be affected by the revised fee structure.
The new measure could increase immigration-related costs for companies that rely heavily on skilled foreign professionals, particularly in sectors such as technology, engineering and professional services.
