How much does an H-1B visa cost in total?
Total H-1B petition costs typically range from $5,000 to $12,000+ depending on employer size, premium processing, and legal fees. Government fees alone for a large employer with premium processing exceed $6,000. Non-profit and university employers pay lower fees and are exempt from some charges.
Who pays H-1B fees - employer or employee?
By law, employers must pay the I-129 base filing fee, fraud prevention fee, ACWIA training fee, and asylum program fee. Charging these mandatory fees to the employee violates Department of Labor (DOL) regulations and can result in employer debarment from the program.
What is the H-1B lottery and how does it work?
USCIS caps new H-1B visas at 65,000 per year plus 20,000 for US master's degree holders. When petitions exceed the cap, USCIS conducts a random lottery. As of 2025, USCIS first holds a registration lottery ($215 per registration), and only selected registrants may file full I-129 petitions. Cap-exempt employers (universities, non-profits) bypass the lottery.
How long is an H-1B visa valid?
Initial H-1B status is granted for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years (6 years maximum). Extensions beyond 6 years are available if an employment-based green card petition (I-140) was filed more than 365 days before the 6-year limit, or if a priority date is not current within 1 year of expiry.
Can I change jobs on an H-1B?
Yes. The AC21 Act allows H-1B holders to port to a new employer once the new employer files an H-1B transfer petition. You can start working for the new employer immediately upon petition filing (not waiting for approval) if you have been in valid H-1B status. The new role must be in a related specialty occupation.