US expands 9-11 response fee to H-1B, L-1 visa extensions

The US will require large employers to pay $4,000 for H-1B and $4,500 for L-1 visa extension petitions starting September 9, expanding the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee beyond initial petitions and job changes. The rule, affecting firms with at least 50 employees where over half hold such visas, is expected to hit Indian IT companies and generate about $157.3 million annually for biometric entry-exit systems.