Business Immigration Monthly - August 2026

+INCREASED FEES FOR CERTAIN H-1B AND L-1 PETITIONS

Beginning September 9, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will expand the collection of the 9-11 Biometrics Fee (for certain Specialty Occupation Worker) and L-1A or L-1B (Intracompany Transferee) petition filings.

The fee applies to employers with more than 50 employees in the United States where more than 50% of the workforce holds H-1B or L-1A/L-1B status. Previously, the fee generally applied only to initial H-1B and L-1A/L-1B petitions. Under the new rule, covered employers must pay the fee when filing any H-1B or L-1A/L-1B petition that requests immigration status or an extension of status, including extension petitions. An amended petition not requesting an extension of status by a covered employer will not require payment of this fee. The fee amounts remain: