US employers sponsoring Indian workers on H-1B and L-1 visas are now required to pay extension fees of ₹3.7 lakh and ₹4.2 lakh respectively under a new rule change. The change directly affects thousands of Indian nationals working in the United States on employer-sponsored work visas.
H-1B and L-1 Extension Fee Amounts Under the New US Rule
The fee structure is straightforward. For H-1B visa extensions, the employer must pay ₹3.7 lakh (approximately $3,882). For L-1 visa extensions — covering both intracompany transferees on L-1A and L-1B categories — the employer must pay ₹4.2 lakh (approximately $4,405).
These fees are to be borne by the sponsoring employer, not the Indian employee. This is a meaningful distinction for Indian professionals in the US, as the financial burden of visa extensions has historically created friction between employers and sponsored workers.
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) | Amount (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B Extension Fee | ₹3,70,000 | ~$3,882 |
| L-1 Extension Fee | ₹4,20,000 | ~$4,405 |
For Indian passport holders working in the technology, consulting, and financial sectors — where H-1B and L-1 visas are the primary work authorization pathways — this rule change has a direct bearing on their employment arrangements. Employers in cities such as San Jose, New York, Chicago, and Dallas who sponsor Indian nationals will need to factor these amounts into their HR and legal budgets.
What Indian Workers on H-1B and L-1 Visas Should Do Now
Indian professionals currently on H-1B or L-1 status and approaching their extension window should confirm with their employer’s immigration counsel that the correct fees will be filed with USCIS. Submitting a petition without the correct fee amounts results in rejection.
For a complete breakdown of US visa costs applicable to Indian travelers and workers, use our Visa Fee Calculator to stay updated on current fee requirements.
Employers who fail to pay the mandated fees at the time of filing will have the extension petition returned. Indian employees should not sign any document agreeing to reimburse the employer for these specific statutory fees without first consulting an immigration attorney.
Indian workers preparing for extensions can also review the full US Visa Guide for a step-by-step overview of the H-1B and L-1 processes, timelines, and documentation requirements relevant to Indian applicants. To assess your specific situation before filing, the Eligibility Checker is a useful starting point.
Source: USCIS, United States
FAQ
Who is required to pay the new H-1B and L-1 extension fees?
Employers are required to bear the extension fees — ₹3.7 lakh for H-1B extensions and ₹4.2 lakh for L-1 extensions. The cost cannot be transferred to the employee.
Do these fees apply to new H-1B or L-1 petitions, or only extensions?
The fees apply specifically to extension petitions for H-1B and L-1 visa categories.
How much is the H-1B extension fee in US dollars?
The H-1B extension fee is ₹3.7 lakh, which equals approximately $3,882 at current exchange rates.
How much is the L-1 extension fee in US dollars?
The L-1 extension fee is ₹4.2 lakh, which equals approximately $4,405 at current exchange rates.
Where should Indian workers or employers check for the latest USCIS fee requirements?
Visit the official USCIS website for the most current fee schedules and petition instructions. You can also use our Visa Fee Calculator for a quick cost overview.
Can Indian employees on H-1B or L-1 visas be asked to reimburse the employer for these fees?
The rule places the payment obligation on the employer. Indian employees should consult an immigration attorney before signing any document agreeing to reimburse the employer for these statutory fees.