H-1B, L-1, H-4, VISAS AND US CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION FEES HIKED: INDIAN WORKERS AND ITES TO BE AFFECTED!

The application fees for the H-1B and L-1 Visas are to be increased and will come into effect From October. A hike of nearly 21% for H-1B and a hike of 75% for L-1 Visa is anticipated.

The H-1B Visa application cost will rise to $555 from existing $460 and the L-1 Visa application will cost $805. Since visa application costs are borne by the employer, these hikes will reduce hiring and deputing Indians in the U.S. as it will become expensive for the companies.

Currently, companies with more than 50 employees, 50% of whom are in H-1B or L-1 Visa must pay an additional $4,000 fee for every new H-1B visa and $4,500 for every new L-1B visa. Further, the U.S. immigration has also made it difficult for the spouses of H-1B workers as they are also facing a rise of 34% to obtain a work permit. Hence, they are to now pay $550 to obtain permit.

Fees for applying American citizenship has increased from $640 to $1,170; which is an 83% hike.