How much does an H-1B visa cost the employer?
Base government fees typically include a registration fee, the I-129 petition fee, a fraud prevention fee, and an ACWIA training fee of 750 or 1,500 dollars depending on employer size. Optional premium processing adds about 2,805 dollars.
Who pays for the H-1B petition?
The employer must pay the core petition, fraud prevention, and ACWIA fees; these cannot be passed to the worker. The employee may pay for premium processing only if it is for their own benefit and convenience.
What is premium processing?
Premium processing, requested on Form I-907, guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days for an extra fee. It speeds adjudication but does not increase the chance of approval.
Are legal fees included in these estimates?
No. This calculator estimates government filing fees only. Attorney fees, prevailing wage determinations, and, for green card sponsorship, PERM labor certification costs are additional.