US visa rule change: Employers to bear ₹3.7 lakh H-1B, ₹4.2 lakh L-1 extension fees; What it means for Indians

Indian professionals working in the United States on H-1B and L-1 visas could be indirectly affected by higher immigration costs after the US expanded an existing fee to cover certain visa extension petitions filed by large employers.

Under rules published by the US government on Monday (August 10), eligible employers will have to pay a $4,000 fee (approx. ₹3.68 lakh) for H-1B extensions and $4,500 (approx. ₹4.2 lakh) for L-1 extensions. The new requirement will take effect on September 9.