H-1B Visa Fee Hike and L-1 Visa Alternatives

Context

• The United States has announced a substantial increase (up to $100,000) in the application fee for new H-1B visas. This move has sparked concern and a search for alternatives among Indian professionals. In this context, the L-1 visa is being considered as an alternative option.
• These changes come into effect on September 21, 2025. New visa applications will now incur a fee of over ₹8 million (approximately $8 million), compared to the previous fee of only $215 to $5,000.

• Some of the top companies hiring foreigners are: Amazon, TCS, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Google, etc.
• The Recent Issue of H-1B Visa Fee Hike
• The Donald Trump administration in the United States has increased the current H-1B application fee.
• This fee has reached $100,000 for the new H-1B visa facility.
• This has had a financial and professional impact on Indian IT and multinational company (MNC) professionals.

Impact on Indian Professionals

• Applying for an H-1B has become expensive and challenging.
• Opportunities for Indian IT workers will be limited.
• Large MNCs will be forced to look for other options for their employees.
• India (with approximately 73%) leads the list of H-1B holders, followed by China (~12%), the Philippines (1%), Canada (1%), and South Korea (1%).

About the L-1 Visa Option

• Introduction: The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows employees of multinational companies to transfer from their overseas offices to U.S. offices.
• Eligibility: Must have worked at a branch/subsidiary/affiliate of a multinational company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years.
  • L-1A: Executive/Managerial Role
  • L-1B: Specialized Knowledge Role
• Applicant: Only companies can apply; no individual applicants.

Features

• No Quota: No Annual Limit
• Blanket Petition: Larger companies can apply faster.
• Dual Intent: No barrier to applying for a Green Card.
• L-2 Visa: Automatic work permit for spouse.

Benefits

• No lottery or annual limit like the H-1B
• Employee can be transferred to a US branch of the same company
• Spouse can work

Limitations

• Transfer only within the same company
• No transfer to another employer (portability)
• Time limit: 5 years for the L-1B and 7 years for the L-1A
• No extension possible while awaiting green card processing like the H-1B