Indian IT Outsourcing Firms Face Biggest Hit from Expanded H-1B Fee Rule
DHS expands 9-11 Biometric Fee to H-1B and L-1 renewals. Effective Sept 9, 2026, covered firms face $4,000 charges for every extension of stay petition.
Top questions about H1B
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat changes will H-1B visa applicants in India face starting September 2, 2025?
Starting September 2, 2025, all H-1B visa applicants in India must attend in-person interviews at a U.S. consulate, ending the dropbox option.
Read: When Did India Get H-1B Dropbox Option and Why Was It Dropped?How did employer actions affect H-1B visa holders in 2025?
Employers increased the risk of H-1B workers going out of status by rapidly withdrawing petitions after layoffs, complicating their future re-entry into the U.S.
Read: H-1B in 2025: What Layoffs Taught Visa Holders and EmployersWhat changes has USCIS introduced to curb H-1B visa exploitation starting in 2025?
USCIS has introduced beneficiary-focused selection and mandatory passport information for lottery registrations to tackle registration abuse.
Read: H-1B Exploitation: Middlemen Gaming the SystemHow does the H-1B process work for employers and employees in 2025?
The H-1B process remains employer-driven, with the employer filing the petition and the employee maintaining status by staying employed in the approved job under the approved terms.
Read: US Immigration FAQ Update: H-1B, F-1, NRIs Amid 2025 ChangesWhat are some key changes to the H-1B visa program for fiscal year 2025?
The USCIS adopted a 'beneficiary-centric' registration process, resulting in fewer registrations but relatively steady numbers of employers and unique foreign candidates applying for visas.
Read: Donald Trump Backs H-1B Visas: ‘We Need Competent People’
DHS Extends $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 Fee to Extension Filings from Sept. 9
DHS to charge $4,000-$4,500 for H-1B and L-1 visa extensions starting Sept 9, 2026, for large companies where…
Biggs Plans to Revive Hobbs’ Vetoed Bills and Eliminate State Income Tax
Andy Biggs' 2026 platform vows to eliminate Arizona's income tax and mandate local ICE cooperation, while USCIS tightens…
High-Skill H-1B Visas Face New Fees and Wage Rankings Amid 2026 Changes
The U.S. H-1B visa system now uses wage-based ranking and a $100,000 fee, significantly increasing costs for small…
Top 7 US Employers Pay H-1B Workers 50% More Than National Median: Report
Seven U.S. employers reported median H-1B salaries above $198,000, led by University of Pittsburgh Physicians. DHS has replaced…
OpenAI and Statsig Pay $3.2 Million to Settle DOJ Hiring Discrimination Claims
OpenAI and Statsig settle DOJ hiring discrimination claims for $3.2 million, ending alleged bias against U.S. workers in…
Understanding Your Rights During ICE Airport Checks for H-1B and F-1 Visa Holders
ICE and CBP have expanded immigration checks at U.S. domestic airports, using real-time TSA data and gate checks…
Travel Risks for H-1B, OPT, and Pending Green Card Holders Under Current U.S. Policy
New 2026 USCIS policies label green card adjustments as 'extraordinary relief,' increasing travel risks for visa holders and…
US Proposes H-1B, L-1 Renewal Fees, 9-11 Response, Biometric Entry-Exit Fee Hike
DHS is advancing a rule to apply $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 surcharges to visa extensions for large…
Ghost Offices and Geographic Compliance: H-1B Homebuyer Exodus from North Texas
Texas probes H-1B 'ghost offices' as return-to-office mandates and stricter federal visa rules trigger a housing market exodus…