Trump admin proposes higher H-1B, L-1 renewal fees for Indian workers
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, under the Trump administration, has drafted a rule to expand the existing 9‑11 Response and Biometric Entry‑Exit Fee to cover renewal and extension petitions for H‑1B and L‑1 visas. Under the proposal, eligible employers – those with at least 50 employees where more than half of the workforce holds H‑1B or L‑1 status – would pay an additional $4,000 for each H‑1B renewal and $4,500 for each L‑1 renewal, fees that currently apply only to new petitions or employer changes.
Indian nationals dominate the H‑1B renewal pool, accounting for roughly 78 % of continuation approvals in fiscal year 2025 (about 226,000 of 291,000 renewals). The expanded fee would therefore raise employment costs for large U.S. tech and IT service firms that rely heavily on Indian skilled workers.
In parallel, the administration is reportedly weighing a $100,000 charge on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students, a move that could curb post‑graduation work opportunities. A separate pilot program would require certain green‑card applicants – initially those from the Dominican Republic – to post a financial bond of up to $250,000 to demonstrate they will not become a public charge.
A federal appeals court on July 24 2026 again blocked the earlier $100,000 fee on new H‑1B petitions, leaving the fee suspended while the administration’s appeal proceeds. The proposed renewal‑fee rule is listed in the 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda and is expected to be finalized after OMB review.
Entities: 9‑11 Response and Biometric Entry‑Exit Fee · Dominican Republic · Donald Trump · Indian H‑1B professionals · Indian professionals · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · U.S. technology and IT service firms · United States Department of Homeland Security
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The proposed rule applies to employers with at least 50 employees where more than half of the workforce holds H‑1B or L‑1 visas. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The proposed renewal‑fee rule is listed in the 2026 Unified Regulatory Agenda and will be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget before finalization. (multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] A pilot program would require certain green‑card applicants, starting with Dominican Republic nationals, to post a bond of up to $250,000. (multiple articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A federal appeals court on July 24 2026 blocked the $100,000 fee on new H‑1B petitions, keeping the fee suspended while the administration’s appeal proceeds. (multiple articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Trump administration proposes expanding the 9‑11 Response and Biometric Entry‑Exit Fee to H‑1B and L‑1 visa renewal petitions. (multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Indian nationals accounted for about 78 % of H‑1B renewal approvals in fiscal year 2025 (approximately 226,000 of 291,000 renewals). (multiple articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training for international students. (multiple articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The fee for H‑1B renewal would be $4,000 and for L‑1 renewal $4,500. (multiple articles)