# Federal Register #2026-16231

DHS Final Rule: Expanded 9-11 Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B and L-1 Visa Petitions

**Buyer:** Department of Homeland Security
**Posted:** August 10, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-16231

This final rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expands the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee requirements for H-1B and L-1 visa petitions:
- Government Buyer:
  - U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  - Sub-agencies: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory fee, not a procurement of goods or services
- Products/Services Requested:
  - 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for H-1B visa petitions: $4,000 per petition
  - 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for L-1 visa petitions: $4,500 per petition
  - Fees apply to all extension of status petitions filed by covered employers (50+ employees, over 50% in H-1B/L-1 status), not just initial petitions or those involving a change of employer
- Notable Requirements:
  - The fee funds the implementation of biometric entry-exit systems to enhance national security and prevent immigration fraud
  - The fee applies to petitions filed through the extended sunset date
  - Estimated fiscal impact: $37.9 million (FY 2026), $40 million (FY 2027)
- No products, hardware, or software are being procured; this is a regulatory change affecting visa petitioners

### Description

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending regulations concerning the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for certain H-1B and L-1 Visas. The changes clarify that covered employers must submit the fee for all extension of status petitions, regardless of the fraud prevention and detection fee applicability, including extensions without a change of employer. The fee continues to apply to initial status petitions. These changes support DHS's mandate to implement a biometric entry-exit system to enhance national security and prevent visa and immigration fraud.

[View original listing](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)