The H-1B visa is one of the important visas in America for foreign professionals. They are able to use it to come and practice in the United States but need to know that the also varied costs incurred not only by the employers but even the applicants themselves. The following is a detailed breakdown of all costs related to obtaining H-1B in the year 2025.
Key Costs Associated with an H-1B Visa
1. Employer Filling Fees
When it comes to filing h1-b petition, all the employer has to pay several fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Those fees are:
- Base Filing Fee: $460
- This fee is required with all the H-1B petitions.
- ACWIA Fee: $750 or $1,500
- Employers with 25 or fewer employees: $750
- Employers with more than 25 employees: $1,500
- Fees for the prevention of fraud and detection: $500
- This fee is applicable for all new H-1B petitions and for those who want to place an employee on an H-1B visa.
- Optional Premium Processing Fee: $2,500 – This can be applied for by employers or applicants looking for a more rapid processing of their petition applications-review now in 15 calendar days. As many employers do it as optional, they still prefer this process because the result is faster.
- Public Law 114-113 Fee: $4,000 (if applicable) – This is the case where applicable to companies with 50 or more employees where it has over 50 percent that are on H-1B and L-1 visas.
2. Attorney Fees
Most of them would seek the services of immigration attorneys who guide them in the H-1B application filing. The attorney arrangement for this service averages between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
3. Additional Costs for the Applicant
These may incur for the applicant, apart from the many expenses incurred by the employers:
- Visa Application Fees: $190; This will be done at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country while scheduling for visa interview.
- Travel Expenses: Variable Costs incurred for the travel to the U.S. consulate for the interview and then, finally, to the U.S. once the visa is approved.
Total Cost Estimate
Here’s a summary of the estimated costs:
Cost Component | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Base Filing Fee | $460 |
ACWIA Fee | $750 or $1,500 |
Fraud Prevention Fee | $500 |
Premium Processing (Optional) | $2,500 |
Public Law 114-113 Fee (if applicable) | $4,000 |
Attorney Fees | $1,500 to $4,000 |
Visa Application Fee (Applicant) | $190 |
Total (Minimum to Maximum) | $3,400 to over $13,000 |
Who Pays for What?
The employer has to pay some fees defined in the law- such as base filing fee, ACWIA fee, and fraud prevention fee. Optional charges like premium processing can be borne by the employer or the applicant depending on how they agree to share costs.
Changes to H-1B Visa Costs in 2025
USCIS fees and policies regarding changes are so volatile over the recent years, which include the year 2025 too. Employers and Applicants should follow the USCIS announcement to keep track of any changes in fee and/or new mandates.
Conclusion
When seeking an H-1B visa, one must spend a considerable amount of money. However, if one understands how money is spent, the employer and applicant can plan for it. Working with skillful attorneys who are also well acquainted with USCIS policies will ensure the process is the least complicated possible.