9/11 Fee Sneaks Into H-1B Visa Extensions Starting September
Published Date: 8/10/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting September 9, 2026, employers sponsoring H-1B and L-1 visa workers must pay the 9-11 Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for all extension requests, even if the worker isn’t changing jobs. This fee was already required for new visa applications, but now it applies more broadly to help improve security and track visa holders better. If you’re an employer or visa holder, get ready for this updated fee rule!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Expanded Biometric Fee on H‑1B/L‑1 Extensions
Starting September 9, 2026, covered employers sponsoring H‑1B or L‑1 workers must pay the 9‑11 Biometric Entry‑Exit Fee for all extension‑of‑status petitions, even if the worker is not changing employers. The statute sets the biometric fee amounts at $4,000 for H‑1B petitions and $4,500 for L‑1 petitions, and the rule applies these amounts to extensions as well. "Covered employers" means employers with 50 or more U.S. employees where more than 50% of those employees are in H‑1B or L‑1 status.
Statutory Sunset: Fee Expires September 30, 2027
The 9‑11 Biometric Fee is currently set by statute to expire on September 30, 2027. That means, unless Congress extends the statute, the additional $4,000 (H‑1B) / $4,500 (L‑1) surcharge would stop after September 30, 2027.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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