H1B visa applicants will have to shell out additional fee of $4000 now

The United States has formally notified the increase in H1B and L1 visa fee. Now, applicants will have to shell out additional $4,000 for certain categories of H1B visas post December 18, 2015.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) said applicants of certain L-1A and L-1B will have to submit an additional amount of $4,500.

As per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, signed into law by US President Barack Obama on December 18, 2015, additional fees has to be paid by petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the US, with more than 50 per cent of those employees in H1B or L (including L-1A and L-1B) non-immigrant status.

This will remain effective through September 30, 2025, USCIS said.

In a statement, USCIS warned that it will begin rejecting H1B and L1 visa petitions received on or after February 11, 2016 that do not carry the information required under the new law.

USCIS has also revised the necessary forms in this regard.

During the 30-day period immediately following this web alert, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to determine whether the additional fee applies to the petition.