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US hikes H1B, L1 visa fee
The US has imposed an additional fee of up to USD 4,500 for certain categories of the popular H-1B and L-1 visas, in a blow to Indian IT firms which have to incur an additional burden of about USD 400 million annually.
Washington: The US has imposed an additional fee of up to USD 4,500 for certain categories of the popular H-1B and L-1 visas, in a blow to Indian IT firms which have to incur an additional burden of about USD 400 million annually.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) said applicants for certain categories of H-1B visas post December 18, 2015 must submit an additional fee of USD 4,000. The H1B visa is designed to allow US employers to recruit and employ foreign professionals in speciality occupations within the US.
In addition, for those applying for certain L-1A and L-1B must submit an additional USD 4,500. L-1 visas are available to employees of an international company with offices in both the United States and abroad.
Referring to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 signed into law by US President Barack Obama on December 18, 2015, USCIS said the additional fees apply to petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the US, with more than 50 per cent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A and L-1B) non-immigrant status.
This fee is in addition to the base processing fee, Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee, American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 fee (when required), as well as the premium processing fee, if applicable. This will remain effective through September 30, 2025, USCIS said.
