New H-1B & L-1 Visa Rules: Hefty ExtensionFees to Impact Indians.
Synopsis: The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services will be introducing new rules for H-1B and L-1 visas on July 8.
Synopsis:
The US Department of Homeland Security has announced that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services will be introducing new rules for H-1B and L-1 visas on July 8.
The New Visa Policy
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is preparing to introduce new rules for H-1B visas aimed at combating fraud and enhancing national security. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these new rules will likely have significant impacts on employers and professionals, especially Indians. One of the proposed changes includes a $4,000 fee for all H-1B visa extensions.“These proposed changes aim to strengthen our immigration system, ensure the integrity of employment-based visa programs, and safeguard national security,” the DHS stated, as quoted by the Times of India.
The H-1B Visa
On July 8, the US will unveil new rules before implementing changes to visas. These rules will undergo a public comment period. The H-1B visa is crucial for Indian IT firms to deploy software engineers in the US, with Indians historically comprising the majority of recipients.Additionally, changes are anticipated for L-1 visa extension costs. This visa allows US companies to hire foreign managers and executives from their overseas offices. The proposed rule suggests a $4,500 fee for extending L-1 visas. Companies with 50 or more employees, where a significant portion hold H-1B or L-1 visas, will be subject to fees for initial petitions and employer changes.
The Work Permit :
The USCIS grants residency and work permits to H-1B visa applicants once their employer sponsors them, which remains valid for an initial three-year period post higher education. Currently, the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, introduced in 2015, applies solely to initial visa petitions and employer changes. Proposed amendments seek to extend this fee to encompass all H-1B and L-1 visa extension petitions.In the meantime, the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the new fees will not be required for extensions of L-1 or H-1B visas until a final ruling is issued.
