The Department of Homeland Security just finalized its biometric visa fee rule for H-1B and L-1 permits. Here's what it means for employers utilizing foreign professional talent.

1️⃣ DHS — Biometric Visa Fee
The federal agency finalized a regulatory rule to adjust the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee for specific H-1B and L-1 visas.
This financial change directly impacts US employers that petition for high-skilled foreign workers to fill critical workforce gaps.
Affected companies must pay these updated transaction fees during their nonimmigrant petition filing process from now on.

2️⃣ IRS — Network Tax Rules
The Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations to implement mandatory backup withholding on transactions completed through third-party payment networks.
This tax update hits payment settlement organizations and online payment platforms that process commercial merchant sales.
Affected platforms must adjust their internal systems and billing software to handle these new withholding duties.

3️⃣ FTC — Credit Scam Blocked
The Federal Trade Commission stopped a sprawling fraudulent credit repair scheme that scammed consumers out of nearly two hundred million dollars.
This enforcement action targets predatory credit operators while protecting vulnerable consumers seeking to repair their credit scores.
The watchdog will proceed with court actions to secure financial redress for victims and enforce permanent bans.

4️⃣ State Dept — False Claims Act
The Department of State released a final rule implementing administrative procedures and civil penalties under the Administrative False Claims Act.
The regulation impacts government contractors, suppliers, and grantees that submit financial claims or bills to the department.
Impacted entities must review their billing logs and compliance programs to prevent severe administrative claims penalties.

5️⃣ Receita Federal — OEA Initiative
The Receita Federal of Brazil issued a normative instruction to establish its new authorized economic operator ambassadors initiative.
This trade program hits certified import-export firms and customs clearance agents actively operating within the global OEA framework.
Participating companies must coordinate with these new ambassadors to streamline cargo inspections and secure international supply chains.

Full analysis in the attached RegNext Daily Americas Radar carousel.

— Elena Navarro · Managing Editor, RegNext
Daily Americas Radar · Monday 10 Aug 2026
#USRegulation #LATAMRegulation #FinancialRegulation #ComplianceIntelligence