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Sanwar Ali is the founder of workpermit.com and a pioneer in legal services technology, specializing in AI-enhanced immigration solutions. He designed and developed the workpermit.com ChatGPT-4o AI L1 visa assistant system to help businesses with their L1 visa intra-company transfer visa applications. Please note that AI systems may make mistakes and "hallucinate". Expert advice is recommended.
This innovative tool helps businesses transfer key personnel to their US offices. Start using our ChatGPT-4o AI system free of charge at the ChatGPT store ChatGPT-4o US L1 Visa Guide. Also available at a L1 Visa page on the workpermit.com site.
2024 Visa Fee Increases: What You Need to Know
In 2024, significant fee increases were introduced for both H-1B and L-1 visas, with more adjustments expected by 2025. While many of these changes have already come into effect, further updates, especially affecting larger employers, are still on the horizon. Understanding these developments is crucial for businesses managing foreign talent.
Key Fee Changes in 2024
H-1B Visa Fees
- Filing Fee: The fee for filing H-1B petitions rose from $460 to $780 in April 2024.
- H-1B Registration Fee: Currently $10, this will increase to $215 in 2025 for lottery applications.
- Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: Remains $500 for new petitions and changes of employer.
- Premium Processing Fee: Stays at $2,500, allowing for expedited processing within 15 days.
L-1 Visa Fees
- Filing Fee: The standard filing fee for L-1 petitions increased from $460 to $1,385 in April 2024 for large employers. However, smaller employers (those with 25 or fewer employees) pay a reduced fee of $695.
- Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: Remains $500 for both large and small employers.
The 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee
The 9/11 Biometric Fee applies to large companies (those with 50 or more employees, where 50% or more of the workforce holds H-1B or L-1 visas). The fee remains at $4,000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions. As of 2024, it primarily applies to initial petitions and changes of employer. However, this fee is expected to expand to visa extensions and amendments in 2025, increasing costs for large companies managing renewals.
What’s Changing in 2025?
The extension of the 9/11 Biometric Fee to visa extensions and amendments will likely begin in 2025. This change will primarily affect larger employers, with a high percentage of employees on H1B and L1 visas, significantly increasing the costs for renewing visas for these employees. Smaller companies remain exempt from these additional fees, providing a financial advantage when retaining foreign talent.
Impact on Employers
The fee increases, particularly the 9/11 Biometric Fee, will have the most significant impact on larger employers in industries like technology, finance, and manufacturing. These businesses, which rely heavily on H-1B and L-1 visas to fill critical roles, will need to budget for the increased costs of both hiring and retaining foreign workers. Smaller companies will face fewer financial burdens due to reduced L-1 filing fees and exemption from biometric fees.
Workpermit.com's Custom AI Systems for Ongoing Advice and Compliance
At Workpermit.com, we offer a unique solution through our custom AI systems to help businesses with their visa applications. Our AI systems assist with visa applications to help businesses .
While our AI technology supports the visa process, every case is dealt with by experienced team members. This combination of AI and human expertise ensures that businesses receive reliable, up-to-date advice tailored to their specific needs.
Our services include:
- Monitoring visa renewals: Ensuring that all filings, amendments, and renewals are submitted on time.
- Advising on fee changes: Calculating the exact fees for each petition, particularly as new rules take effect.
- Expert guidance: AI helps but humans help prepare applications.
Conclusion
The 2024 fee increases have already raised the cost of filing H-1B and L-1 petitions, with additional changes expected in 2025. These rising costs will affect large employers the most, as the 9/11 Biometric Fee will likely be introduced for visa extensions and amendments. At Workpermit.com, we combine advanced AI tools with expert advice and assistance to help businesses with their visa applications.
workpermit.com helps with US Work Visa: L1, H1B, E2, and O1 Visas
There are various types of US visas that individuals can apply for, depending on their circumstances. Some of the most common employment-based visas include:
- L1 visa: This visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions or have specialized knowledge.
- H1B visa: This visa is for specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.
- E2 visa: This visa is for investors who have made a significant investment in a US business and, management or essential skills employees. Only certain nationalities can apply.
- O1 visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
Workpermit.com is a specialist visa services firm with over thirty years of experience dealing with visa applications. For more information and advice, please contact us on 0344 991 9222 or at london@workpermit.com(link sends e-mail)
