9-11 Biometric Entry-Exit Fee Now Applies to H-1B and L-1 Extension Petitions

USCIS's Form G-1055 Fee Schedule confirms that a DHS final rule expanding the Public Law 114-113 fee for H-1B and L-1 petitions took effect September 9, 2026. This fee — commonly called the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee — was previously required only on certain initial and change-of-employer filings. It now also applies to extension-of-status petitions filed by "covered employers." Petitioners must pay the fee if they meet all three conditions: they "employ 50 or more individuals in the United States," "more than 50 percent of those employees are in H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B nonimmigrant status," and "the petition is filed on or before Sept. 30, 2027." The fee is $4,000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions. It applies "unless the petitioner is filing an amended petition that does not seek an extension of the alien's currently authorized [H-1B/L-1] status," and — per the fee schedule — "may not be waived and is not refundable, regardless of any action taken on the petition." Covered employers must include the fee on Form I-129 petitions "postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 9, 2026."