US Biometric Fees to Hit Indian Tech Workers Hard from September

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced new biometric screening fees for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions, effective September 9. This change will add significant costs to companies hiring foreign workers under these programs.

The fee for H-1B applications is $4,000, while L-1 intracompany transfers will incur a higher fee of $4,500. The new rule affects businesses with at least 50 employees where H-1B or L-1 workers make up at least 50% of the company's total workforce.

The additional fees are expected to increase revenue for the US government, with estimated payments totaling $37.9 million in fiscal year 2026 and another $40 million in fiscal year 2027.