DHS Proposes Higher 9-11 Response & Biometric Entry-Exit Fee For H-1B, L-1 Visas

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a proposed rule that will substantially increase the fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitions. The agency plans to clarify that the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee (9-11 Fee) applies to initial filings and to all extensions for employers with at least 50 employees of whom at least 50% are in H or L status.

Currently, the fee is required only for initial and change-of-employer petitions. Under the proposed rule, for covered employers, all H and L petitions (other than amendments without extensions) will cost an additional $4,000 or $4,500 respectively. DHS believes the proposed changes will clarify ambiguous statutory language while helping to comply with its congressional mandate to implement a biometric entry-exit data system.