{
    "schema": "amendsignal.record/1",
    "generated_on": "2026-11-02",
    "publisher": {
        "name": "AmendSignal",
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/"
    },
    "notice": "Coverage is limited, so a missing record does not mean nothing changed. General information, not legal advice. Check the official source. Please cite the record's url.",
    "change": {
        "id": 27,
        "url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/department-of-homeland-security-extends-the-9-11-biometric-fee-to-all-h-1b-and-l-1-extension/",
        "title": "Department of Homeland Security extends the 9-11 Biometric Fee to all H-1B and L-1 extension petitions filed by covered employers",
        "change_type": "final_rule",
        "change_type_label": "Final rule",
        "status": "effective",
        "status_label": "In effect",
        "status_statement": "As of our last check on November 2, 2026, this is in effect, since September 9, 2026.",
        "significance": "Action needed",
        "jurisdiction": {
            "code": "US",
            "name": "United States"
        },
        "authority": {
            "name": "Department of Homeland Security",
            "short_name": "DHS"
        },
        "identifiers": [
            {
                "type": "fr_document_number",
                "label": "FR document",
                "value": "2026-16231"
            },
            {
                "type": "fr_citation",
                "label": "Citation",
                "value": "91 FR 51360"
            },
            {
                "type": "rin",
                "label": "RIN",
                "value": "1651-AB48"
            },
            {
                "type": "docket_id",
                "label": "Docket",
                "value": "Docket No. USCBP-2024-0009"
            },
            {
                "type": "docket_id",
                "label": "Docket",
                "value": "CBP Dec. No. 26-11"
            },
            {
                "type": "cfr_citation",
                "label": "CFR",
                "value": "8 CFR 106"
            }
        ],
        "dates": [
            {
                "type": "publication",
                "label": "Published",
                "value": "2026-08-10",
                "precision": "day"
            },
            {
                "type": "effective",
                "label": "Effective",
                "value": "2026-09-09",
                "precision": "day"
            }
        ],
        "in_short": {
            "what_changed": "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule, effective September 9, 2026, that requires covered employers to pay the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee ($4,000 for H-1B, $4,500 for L-1) on every extension of status petition, including extensions for a worker staying with the same employer. Before this rule, covered employers paid the fee only on new employment and change of employer petitions.",
            "whos_affected": "Only employers with 50 or more employees in the United States where more than 50 percent of those employees, counted in the aggregate, hold H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status. Employers that do not meet this test do not pay the fee.",
            "what_to_do": "If you are a covered employer, the changed duty is to include the fee with H-1B and L-1 extension petitions, including same-employer extensions, once the rule takes effect on September 9, 2026 (DHS says it will not apply to past or pending petitions). Amended petitions that do not seek an extension stay exempt, and the fee applies to petitions filed on or before September 30, 2027."
        },
        "summary": "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, issued a final rule that requires covered employers to pay the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee on all H-1B and L-1 extension of status petitions, including extensions for workers staying with the same employer. The fee is $4,000 per H-1B petition and $4,500 per L-1 petition. It applies only to employers with 50 or more employees in the United States where more than half of those employees hold H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status. The rule takes effect September 9, 2026.",
        "business_functions": {
            "state": "limited",
            "functions": [
                {
                    "slug": "human-resources",
                    "name": "Human resources"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "legal-and-compliance",
                    "name": "Legal and compliance"
                },
                {
                    "slug": "finance",
                    "name": "Finance"
                }
            ]
        },
        "added_on": "2026-11-02",
        "updated_on": null,
        "updates_in_progress": null,
        "last_checked": "2026-11-02",
        "record_url": "https://amendsignal.com/changes/department-of-homeland-security-extends-the-9-11-biometric-fee-to-all-h-1b-and-l-1-extension/record.json",
        "what_changed": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The final rule amends the fee rules at title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), section 106.2(c)(8) and (9), so the 9-11 Biometric Fee applies to all H-1B and L-1 extension of status petitions filed by a covered employer, including extensions that do not involve a change of employer.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "DHS is amending the regulations at 8 CFR 106.2(c)(8) and (9) to specify that the 9-11 Biometric Fee will apply to all H-1B and L-1 extension of status petitions filed by a covered employer, in addition to all previously covered H-1B and L-1 petitions."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "SUMMARY",
                        "excerpt": "which includes extension of status petitions that do not involve a change of employer."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Before this rule, covered employers paid the fee only on petitions requesting new employment or a change of employer.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, V.A.1. Purpose of the Rule",
                        "excerpt": "Currently, of the H-1B and L-1 petitions submitted by covered employers, only those requesting new employment or a change of employer are required to pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The fee continues to apply unchanged to petitions seeking an initial grant of status.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "SUMMARY",
                        "excerpt": "The 9-11 Biometric Fee continues to apply unchanged to petitions seeking an initial grant of status."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The amended regulation states that amended petitions that do not seek an extension of the worker's current status are exempt from the fee.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "Petitioners filing an amended petition that do not seek an extension of the alien's currently authorized H-1B status are exempt from this fee."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(9)",
                        "excerpt": "Petitioners filing an amended petition that do not seek an extension of the alien's currently authorized L-1 status are exempt from this fee."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The rule adds the words \"in the aggregate\" to the covered employer test to reflect DHS's existing practice of counting all full-time and part-time employees in H-1B or L-1 status.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "Prior to this rulemaking, DHS counted all full-time and part-time employees who held H-1B or L-1 status in order to determine whether an employer met the definition of ``covered employer'' by reaching the 50 percent threshold."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "DHS is adding the words ``in the aggregate'' to both provisions in 8 CFR 106.2(c)(8) and (9) to clarify this practice."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS says the expanded fee will apply only to petitions as of the rule's implementation date and will not apply retroactively to past or pending petitions.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.d. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to the Effect on Attraction of Skilled Labor",
                        "excerpt": "This rule will only be applied to the relevant petitions as of the implementation date of the rule. These fees will not retroactively apply to past or to pending petitions."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The amended regulation states the fee applies to petitions filed on or before September 30, 2027, which the preamble describes as the fee's current expiration date set by Congress.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "This fee will apply to petitions filed on or before September 30, 2027."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, I.B.2. 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee",
                        "excerpt": "Pursuant to congressional extension, the 9-11 Biometric Fee is currently set to expire on September 30, 2027."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "who_is_affected": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The fee applies to petitioners with 50 or more employees in the United States when more than 50 percent of their employees, in the aggregate, hold H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "For all petitioners filing an H-1B petition who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status: $4,000."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(9)",
                        "excerpt": "For all petitioners filing an L-1 petition who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status: $4,500."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Employers that are not covered employers do not pay the fee.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.a. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Employers",
                        "excerpt": "A petitioner is not required to pay the 9-11 Biometric Fee if they are not a covered employer."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS estimates that, had the rule been in effect from fiscal year 2018 to 2025, the share of covered employers' H-1B petitions subject to the fee would have risen from 27 percent to 75 percent.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, II.B. Need for Rulemaking",
                        "excerpt": "27 percent of all H-1B petitions from covered employers ... were subject to the 9-11 Biometric Fee."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, II.B. Need for Rulemaking",
                        "excerpt": "the percentage of these H-1B petitions that would have been subject to the 9-11 Biometric Fee would have been 75 percent of these H-1B petitions."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS estimates that at most about 16 percent of small businesses that file H-1B or L-1 petitions will be affected.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, V.B. Regulatory Flexibility Act",
                        "excerpt": "an approximate maximum of 16 percent of small businesses that file H-1B or L-1 petitions will be affected by this rule."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "business_implications": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS expects fee payments from H-1B and L-1 petitioners to rise by a total of $37.9 million in fiscal year 2026 and $40.0 million in fiscal year 2027.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, V.A. Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 14192",
                        "excerpt": "DHS expects H-1B and L-1 transfer payments from fee payers to the U.S. Government to increase by a total of $37.9 million in fiscal year 2026 and $40.0 million in fiscal year 2027."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "text": "Covered employers that file many extension petitions for workers they already employ will see the largest cost increase, at $4,000 or $4,500 per petition, for petitions filed through September 30, 2027.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "This change will allow DHS to charge all covered petitioners the 9-11 Biometric Fee, including those filing extension petitions that do not involve a change of employer"
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "This fee will apply to petitions filed on or before September 30, 2027."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "DHS says H-1B employers are generally prohibited from reducing an H-1B worker's wages or compensation package to recoup petition-related filing fees.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.b. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Visa Holders",
                        "excerpt": "H-1B employers are generally prohibited from reducing an H-1B worker's wages or compensation package to recoup business expenses, such as any required petition-related filing fees."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The rule does not change any required reporting or recordkeeping.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, V.B.5.",
                        "excerpt": "The regulation does not change any required reporting or recordkeeping."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The rule requires non-substantive updates to the instructions for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, about which petitions are subject to the fee.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, V.C. Paperwork Reduction Act",
                        "excerpt": "this final rule will require non-substantive modifications to USCIS Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, covered under OMB Control Number 1615-0009."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions": [
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Covered employers must submit the 9-11 Biometric Fee ($4,000 for H-1B, $4,500 for L-1) with every H-1B or L-1 extension of status petition, including extensions for a worker staying with the same employer.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "DHS is amending the regulations at 8 CFR 106.2(c)(8) and (9) to specify that the 9-11 Biometric Fee will apply to all H-1B and L-1 extension of status petitions filed by a covered employer, in addition to all previously covered H-1B and L-1 petitions."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "For all petitioners filing an H-1B petition who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status: $4,000."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "Covered employers continue to pay the fee on petitions seeking an initial grant of H-1B or L-1 status and on extension petitions filed by a new employer.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "SUMMARY",
                        "excerpt": "The 9-11 Biometric Fee continues to apply unchanged to petitions seeking an initial grant of status."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.b. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Visa Holders",
                        "excerpt": "The 9-11 Biometric Fee was already being charged for extension of status petitions with a new employer."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "text": "The fee must be paid by the employer, not the worker, under section 402(g) of Public Law 114-113 and 8 CFR 106.2(c)(8) and (9).",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.g. Comments Expressing Opposition With Specific Recommendations",
                        "excerpt": "The statutes and existing regulations specify that the fee is required to be paid by the employer."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "recommended_actions": [
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider confirming whether your organization is a covered employer by counting all employees in the United States and all full-time and part-time employees in H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status in the aggregate.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "Prior to this rulemaking, DHS counted all full-time and part-time employees who held H-1B or L-1 status in order to determine whether an employer met the definition of ``covered employer'' by reaching the 50 percent threshold."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "If you are a covered employer, consider budgeting $4,000 per H-1B and $4,500 per L-1 same-employer extension petition you expect to file between September 9, 2026 and September 30, 2027.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(9)",
                        "excerpt": "For all petitioners filing an L-1 petition who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status: $4,500."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "This fee will apply to petitions filed on or before September 30, 2027."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider updating petition checklists and fee calculations with whoever prepares your petitions, and checking the USCIS filing fee pages and the updated Form I-129 instructions before filing.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.a. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Employers",
                        "excerpt": "DHS understands that employers may need to reconfirm whether payment of the 9-11 Biometric Fee is necessary for their petition."
                    },
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.a. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Employers",
                        "excerpt": "fee requirements are readily available on the USCIS website"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "text": "Consider reviewing your practices so the fee is paid by the employer and is not recovered through reductions to H-1B workers' wages or compensation.",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.b. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Visa Holders",
                        "excerpt": "H-1B employers are generally prohibited from reducing an H-1B worker's wages or compensation package to recoup business expenses, such as any required petition-related filing fees."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "required_actions_assessment": null,
        "applicability": [
            {
                "criterion": "where",
                "label": "Where",
                "answer": "United States, nationwide",
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "evidence": []
            },
            {
                "criterion": "employer_type",
                "label": "Employers",
                "answer": "Any employer that files H-1B or L-1 petitions and meets the covered employer test; the rule does not limit it by type of employer.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(8)",
                        "excerpt": "For all petitioners filing an H-1B petition who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status: $4,000."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "size",
                "label": "Size",
                "answer": "Employers with 50 or more employees in the United States where more than 50 percent, in the aggregate, hold H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status.",
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "8 CFR 106.2(c)(9)",
                        "excerpt": "For all petitioners filing an L-1 petition who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status: $4,500."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "industries",
                "label": "Industries",
                "answer": "All industries; the agency's sample of petitioners is led by software, computer programming, consulting and engineering firms.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, V.B.4.",
                        "excerpt": "The rulemaking could potentially affect small, covered employers across a wide range of industries."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "functions",
                "label": "Functions",
                "answer": "HR and legal teams that prepare H-1B and L-1 petitions, and finance teams that budget filing fees.",
                "kind": "inference",
                "kind_label": "Our analysis",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, III.B.3.a. Comments Expressing Opposition Due to Effect on Employers",
                        "excerpt": "DHS understands that employers may need to reconfirm whether payment of the 9-11 Biometric Fee is necessary for their petition."
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "applies_if",
                "label": "Applies if",
                "answer": "You are a covered employer filing an H-1B or L-1 extension of status petition, including one for a worker who stays with you.",
                "kind": "fact",
                "kind_label": "From the source",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "Supplementary Information, IV. Changes to Regulations",
                        "excerpt": "This change will allow DHS to charge all covered petitioners the 9-11 Biometric Fee, including those filing extension petitions that do not involve a change of employer"
                    }
                ]
            },
            {
                "criterion": "action",
                "label": "Action",
                "answer": "Check covered status and include the fee with extension petitions filed from September 9, 2026.",
                "kind": "recommendation",
                "kind_label": "Our suggestion",
                "evidence": [
                    {
                        "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                        "locator": "DATES",
                        "excerpt": "This rule is effective on September 9, 2026."
                    }
                ]
            }
        ],
        "open_questions": [
            {
                "question": "When will the updated Form I-129 instructions reflecting the expanded fee be available?",
                "context": "The rule says the form instructions need non-substantive updates that were submitted for approval, but gives no date for the revised instructions."
            },
            {
                "question": "Will the 9-11 Biometric Fee continue for petitions filed after September 30, 2027?",
                "context": "The regulation applies the fee only to petitions filed on or before September 30, 2027, and the preamble says that date was set by a congressional extension."
            }
        ],
        "events": [
            {
                "event_type": "originating_action",
                "label": "Issued",
                "occurred_on": "2026-08-10",
                "summary": "9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B and L-1 Visas",
                "source": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas"
            }
        ],
        "corrections": [],
        "sources": [
            {
                "label": "9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B and L-1 Visas, 91 FR 51360 (August 10, 2026)",
                "publisher": "Federal Register",
                "role": "primary",
                "url": "https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/10/2026-16231/9-11-response-and-biometric-entry-exit-fee-for-h-1b-and-l-1-visas",
                "pdf_url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-10/pdf/2026-16231.pdf"
            }
        ]
    }
}