H-1B & L-1 Fee Update: What Employers & Tech Professionals Need to Know
Immigration-related costs continue to evolve, and employers sponsoring international technology professionals need to understand the latest changes.
A new DHS rule expands the application of the 9-11 Biometric Fee to certain H-1B and L-1 extension-of-stay petitions.
Here's what you need to know.
1. H-1B Fee — $4,000
Covered employers may be required to pay an additional $4,000 fee for qualifying H-1B petitions, including certain extension-of-stay filings.
2. L-1 Fee — $4,500
Qualifying employers filing covered L-1 petitions may face an additional $4,500 fee.
3. Which Employers Are Affected?
Generally, the rule covers employers with:
- 50 or more U.S. employees
- More than 50% of their U.S. workforce in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B status
The exact applicability depends on the petition and employer circumstances.
4. Why This Matters
Higher immigration costs can influence employer planning, sponsorship decisions, and workforce strategy — particularly for companies that regularly sponsor large numbers of international professionals.
5. What Candidates Should Do
International professionals should focus on:
- Finding compliant employment
- Understanding their employer's sponsorship process
- Planning immigration timelines early
- Maintaining accurate employment records
- Staying informed about official USCIS/DHS updates
NovaPrimeTech Insight
Immigration costs and policies can change. That's why choosing the right employment structure and planning your career early can make a significant difference.
At NovaPrimeTech, our focus is on full-time W-2 direct-hire opportunities for international technology professionals — covering F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B, and full-time W-2 IT opportunities across the U.S. and Canada.
Immigration rules are complex and can vary by individual circumstances. Always verify your situation with official government resources or a qualified immigration attorney.
About NovaPrimeTech
NovaPrimeTech Group connects international technology professionals with full-time W-2 direct-hire opportunities across the U.S. and Canada, with end-to-end support from resume building and interview prep to career counseling and compliant employer matching.
Join our talent pool or get in touch to learn more.