As 2025 begins, H-1B visa applicants and their employers are preparing for the significant financial commitment associated with securing this highly sought-after work permit. The H-1B program enables U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations, but the associated costs can be steep and vary depending on the situation.
Breaking Down the Costs
Mandatory Filing Fees
All H-1B petitioners are required to pay a base filing fee of $460. Additionally, a $500 anti-fraud fee is applied to first-time applicants or those changing employers to help prevent misuse of the program.
Employer Surcharge for Large Companies
Employers with more than 50 employees, where over half are H-1B or L-1 visa holders, must pay a $4,000 fee under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016. This surcharge remains in effect through September 2025.
Expedited Processing Option
For employers needing quicker processing, there’s an option for premium processing, which costs $2,805. This service guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days, a valuable feature for industries with critical hiring needs.
Who Bears the Costs?
Employers are responsible for the majority of these expenses, including the base filing fee, anti-fraud fee, and any optional premium processing charges. The $4,000 additional fee also falls entirely on the employer. While employees may be asked to cover visa stamping and interview-related fees, U.S. law prohibits employers from passing on mandatory fees, ensuring that employee wages are not impacted by these costs.
Total Costs
The total cost of an H-1B visa petition can vary greatly depending on the employer’s circumstances:
Base Case: $970, which includes the base filing fee and anti-fraud fee but excludes the additional surcharge.
Premium Processing: $7,775, which includes the additional $4,000 employer fee along with the expedited processing option.
These costs underscore the complexity and expense of navigating the H-1B visa process, particularly for tech companies and other industries that rely heavily on foreign talent. Despite the relatively low $10 registration fee, the overall financial burden of maintaining a foreign workforce in the U.S. can be substantial.
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