New H1B & L1 Extension Fees for Dependent Employers Coming in 2026
Summary
Effective September 9, 2026, specific employers deemed "H1B/L1 dependent" must pay additional $4,000 (H1B) or $4,500 (L1) fees for all extension-of-status petitions. This expansion of fees to include even same-employer extensions represents a significant financial increase for these companies. Immigrants sponsored by such employers should be aware of these rising costs and their potential impact on future employment and visa processes.
Starting September 9, 2026, a significant change in U.S. immigration policy will affect employers who meet the criteria of being "H1B and L1 dependent." These are companies with 50 or more U.S. employees, where over half of their workforce holds H1B or L1 nonimmigrant status. Such employers will now be mandated to pay a $4,000 fee for H1B petitions and a $4,500 fee for L1 petitions on *all* extension-of-status filings. This critical update means that even individuals seeking to extend their H1B or L1 status with the *same employer* will trigger these substantial biometric fees, a departure from previous practices where these fees primarily applied to initial filings or transfers.
This upcoming policy change will impose a substantial financial burden on affected companies, potentially influencing their long-term hiring strategies for foreign talent. For H1B and L1 visa holders, while the fee is paid by the employer, the increased cost could indirectly affect employment stability, wage growth, or the willingness of companies to sponsor extensions. It underscores the importance for both employers and immigrants to plan meticulously for future visa processes, considering the added expenses and administrative complexities now associated with routine extensions.
Background
The $4,000 H1B and $4,500 L1 fraud prevention and border security fees were initially established by the Public Law 114-113 (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016), primarily applying to initial petitions and transfers for H1B/L1 dependent employers. This new development expands the application of these fees to a broader range of petitions, including extensions.
Who This Affects
- H1B and L1 visa holders employed by "dependent employers" (firms with 50+ U.S. employees where >50% hold H1B/L1 status) will see their employers incur additional costs for extension petitions.
- Employers meeting the "dependent employer" criteria face significant new financial obligations for every H1B or L1 extension filed from September 2026 onwards, increasing their operational costs.
- Prospective H1B and L1 applicants should be aware that these increased employer costs could influence future hiring and sponsorship decisions by affected companies as they manage their budgets.
What You Should Do Now
- H1B and L1 visa holders should assess if their current or prospective employer falls under the "dependent employer" definition to understand potential impacts.
- Engage with your employer's HR or immigration legal team to understand their strategy for managing these new extension costs and how it might affect your future.
- Plan for your future visa extensions well in advance, acknowledging the potential for increased administrative and financial complexities for your sponsoring employer.
Key Takeaway
H1B and L1 dependent employers will face mandatory $4,000/$4,500 fees for all extension petitions starting September 9, 2026, significantly increasing sponsorship costs.
Source: Read official article on Murthy Law Firm
Publisher note — NaviBound summarizes cited third-party sources for convenience only. Confirm all requirements with the linked official announcement and qualified professionals. Not legal advice. Display date: Aug 10, 2026. Editorial policy