H-1B and L-1 Visa special fee

In December 2015, the United States Congress has imposed a special fee of up to $4,500 on the H-1B and L-1 visas. In United States, there are various types of Visas (check Fact box below) denoted alphanumerically and ranging from A to W. H Visas are for temporary. H-1B Visas are for skilled workers means temporary workers and trainees that have specialty occupations. This includes the skilled professionals including software / IT personnel. L-1 visas are for intra-company transfers. These are two most popular American visas in India. India is the single largest beneficiary of H-1B visas. Thus, it’s quite obvious that any change in H-1B visa policy would have its implications for India-US business relations also.

The recent hike in Visa special fee is to fund a biometric entry and exit tracking system, in addition to funding health screenings and treatments for 9/11 first responders.