Everything You Need To Know Of The H1B Visa Cost

As of 2023, the H1B visa costs $555 for the basic filing price and $500 for the mandatory anti-fraud fee. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows firms to hire foreign workers in specialist occupations that require theoretical or technical ability. This visa is especially popular in the tech industry, where organizations rely significantly on qualified foreign workers to cover talent gaps and promote innovation.

H1B Visa Filing Fees

The H1B visa filing fee is one of the biggest expenses. In 2023, H1B petitions cost $555 plus a $500 anti-fraud fee.

Premium processing, which costs $2,500, might speed up applications for specific jobs. Premium processing assures processing within 15 days or a refund.

Your circumstance may demand additional fees beyond the minimum filing charge and anti-fraud fee. H1B extensions may need a $370 charge. Changing employment on an H1B visa in the US may require a $325 petition fee.

Who Pays H1B Visa Fees

In the United States, the H-1B visa program is a temporary work visa program that permits firms to sponsor foreign individuals to work in specialized occupations.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the sponsoring employer is responsible for paying the H-1B visa fees, which include the following:

• The base filing fee that varies depending on the employer’s size.
• The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee: This fee is paid by employers with more than 25 employees seeking to hire foreign workers on an H-1B visa. The fee varies depending on the size of the employer.
• The Fraud Prevention and Detection fee is required for all H-1B petitions and is paid by the sponsoring employer.
• The Public Law 114-113 fee is required for all H-1B and L-1 petitions filed by employers that employ 50 or more employees in the United States, with more than 50% of those employees in H-1B or L-1 status.

However, it is important to note that the employer may not require the employee to pay for any of the H-1B visa fees.

Legal Fees Associated with H1B Visa Applications

H1B visa applications require filing and legal fees. Your situation and case complexity determine legal fees. Legal assistance costs from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

An skilled immigration lawyer can assist you manage the complicated H1B visa application procedure and improve your chances of success. Legal expenses may increase the cost of an H1B visa, but they may be worth it.

Premium Processing and Other Additional H1B Visa Costs

As indicated, premium processing is a paid service that expedites your H1B visa application. There are various H1B visa application charges.

To demonstrate your good health and non-threat to US public health, you may need a medical checkup. Medical exams cost $100 to $300, depending on location and provider.

H4 visa expenses may apply if you bring your spouse and children to the US. An H4 visa costs $370, plus legal fees if you engage an immigration lawyer.

Tips for Minimizing Your H1B Visa Expenses

• Choose an Employer Who Is Willing to Sponsor Your H1B Visa.

Your employer will be responsible for paying most of the expenses associated with your H1B visa, including filing and legal fees. Look for employers with a good track record of sponsoring H1B visas for their employees and are willing to pay for the associated expenses.

• File Your H1B Visa Application Early.

Filing your H1B visa application early can help you avoid rush fees and expedited processing fees. Early filing will also give you more time to gather all the required documentation and ensure your application is complete and error-free.

• Hire an Experienced Immigration Attorney.

While it may be tempting to cut costs by filing your H1B visa application on your own, it’s advisable to hire an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can help you with the complex H1B visa application process, ensure that your application is complete and accurate, and maximize your chances of approval.

• Avoid Premium Processing Fees.

Premium processing allows you to expedite processing of your H1B visa application, but it comes at a premium price. Avoid premium processing fees if possible, especially if you’re filing early and don’t need to expedite your application.

• Plan Your Travel and Living Expenses.

If you travel to the United States on an H1B visa, you must plan for travel and living expenses, such as airfare, housing, transportation, and food.

By following these tips, you can minimize your H1B visa expenses and increase your chances of a successful application.

Key Terms for H1B Visas

• Filing Fees: The fees paid to the US government for processing an H1B visa application.
• Legal Fees: The fees paid to an immigration attorney for assistance with the H1B visa application process.
• Premium Processing Fees: An optional fee for expedited processing of an H1B visa application.
• Travel Expenses: Costs associated with traveling to and living in the US on an H1B visa.
• Employer Sponsorship: The employer who hires an H1B visa holder is responsible for paying most of the associated expenses.

Final Thoughts on H1B Visas

H1B visas are expensive. Still, recognizing and lowering the costs might improve your application’s chances and lower your financial load.

To handle the rigorous H1B visa application process and ensure your application is thorough and accurate, plan and consult with immigration attorneys. Doing so increases your chances of approval and achieving your US professional ambitions.

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