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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-17324, Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at the time of filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, which would be imposed in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. This fee would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government's costs of administering the lawful immigration system, including activities carried out by DHS, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
2026-16313, Mandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing)
This interim final rule (IFR) amends U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to provide: USCIS may require mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) of certain benefit requests; the process USCIS will follow to require a benefit request to be e-filed; and how a waiver of the e-filing requirement for those individuals unable to file electronically may be requested. This rule is intended to increase digital intake and processing to move USCIS and requestors from a mostly paper process to an electronic process and further enhance the integrity of the immigration system and the security of the United States.
2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-13392, EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; Ensuring the Integrity of the EB-5 Program; Automatic Revocation of Petitions for Immigrant Classification
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 shakes up the investor visa program by making sure only serious investors who create real jobs get green cards. It affects foreign investors and regional centers, adds new rules to stop fraud, and sets a deadline for public comments by August 31, 2026. This means more trust and transparency in the program, with changes rolling out soon and investments under closer watch.
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16207, Implementation of the Administrative False Claims Act
This rule would establish updated, procedural regulations implementing the Administrative False Claims Act (AFCA) at the Department of State.
Next: 2026-16249, Amendment of United States Area Navigation Route T-373 in the Vicinity of King Salmon, Alaska
This action amends United States Area Navigation Route (RNAV) T-373 in the vicinity of King Salmon, Alaska. The FAA is taking this action to increase the route structure connectivity in Alaska.