H1B Visa Cost

Clients Rate Lawyers on our Platform 4.9/5 Stars
based on 5,649 reviews

Jump to Section

Need help with an H-1B Visa?

Post Project Now

Post Your Project (It's Free)

Get Bids to Compare

 Hire Your Lawyer

As of 2023, the H1B visa costs are $555 for the basic filing fee and $500 for the required anti-fraud fee. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. This visa is particularly popular in the tech industry, where companies rely heavily on skilled foreign workers to fill talent gaps and drive innovation.

H1B Visa Filing Fees

The filing fee is one of the most significant costs associated with the H1B visa application process. As of 2023, the basic filing fee for an H1B petition is $555, and an additional $500 anti-fraud fee is also required.

However, some employers may expedite their applications by paying an additional fee for premium processing, which currently costs $2,500. Premium processing guarantees that your application will be processed within 15 calendar days or the fee will be refunded.

In addition to the basic filing fee and the anti-fraud fee, other fees may be required depending on your situation. For example, if you are filing an extension of your H1B status, you may need to pay a $370 fee similarly, if you are changing employers while on an H1B visa in the United States, you may need to pay a $325 fee for the new petition.

Who Pays H1B Visa Fees

The H-1B visa program in the United States is a temporary work visa program that allows employers to sponsor foreign workers to work in specialized occupations.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the H-1B visa fees should be paid by the sponsoring employer, including the following fees:

  • 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

In addition to filing fees, legal fees are associated with the H1B visa application process. The legal fees can vary depending on your situation and the complexity of your case. Still, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for legal assistance.

It's important to note that hiring an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the complex H1B visa application process and increase your chances of success. While legal fees can add to the cost of obtaining an H1B visa, they may be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Meet some lawyers on our platform

Don G.

37 projects on CC
View Profile

Max N.

6 projects on CC
View Profile

Justin K.

11 projects on CC
View Profile

Jane C.

124 projects on CC
View Profile

Premium Processing and Other Additional H1B Visa Costs

As mentioned earlier, premium processing is an optional service that allows you to expedite your H1B visa application for an additional fee. However, there are also other additional costs that you may incur during the H1B visa application process.

For example, you may need to undergo a medical exam to prove that you are in good health and do not pose a risk to public health in the United States. The medical exam cost can vary depending on the location and healthcare provider, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300.

If you plan to bring your spouse and children to the United States, you may also need to pay additional fees for their H4 visas. The filing fee for an H4 visa is currently $370, and you may also need to pay legal fees if you hire an immigration lawyer to help you with the application process.

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

The H1B visa program can be a costly process. Still, by understanding and minimizing the associated expenses, you can increase your chances of a successful application while reducing your financial burden.

It's important to plan and seek the assistance of experienced professionals, such as immigration attorneys, to navigate the complex H1B visa application process and ensure your application is complete and accurate. Doing so can maximize your chances of approval and achieve your professional goals in the United States.

If you want free pricing proposals from vetted lawyers that are 60% less than typical law firms, click here to get started. By comparing multiple proposals for free, you can save the time and stress of finding a quality lawyer for your business needs.

How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Harry S. on ContractsCounsel
View Harry
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 27, 2021

Harry S.

Director
Free Consultation
London
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
BPP

Stirk Law is a law firm based in London that advises on dispute resolution, commercial and corporate arrangements, employment and private wealth. We are experts in our areas and experienced in advising on complex and high value matters in the UK and internationally. We have extensive onshore and offshore experience across a variety of areas such as the administration of trusts together with complex fraud and trust disputes. Our expertise includes the conduct of significant and high-value cases valued at up to in excess of £1 billion over a combined 40 years of legal practice in England, Jersey and Guernsey. As well as having a large international network, we work closely with a corporate investigations and risk advisory business based in London and Vienna. Together we can deliver a holistic service for cases involving fraud, dissipation of assets or other illegal activity.

Talin H. on ContractsCounsel
View Talin
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 30, 2021

Talin H.

Owner
Free Consultation
Chicago
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in IL
DePaul College of Law

Talin has over a decade of focused experience in business and international law. She is fiercely dedicated to her clients, thorough, detail-oriented, and gets the job done.

Craig M. on ContractsCounsel
View Craig
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
August 3, 2021

Craig M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Maine
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in ME
New York Law School

I have been practicing law for more than 4 years at a small firm in York County, Maine. I recently decided to hang my shingle, Dirigo Law LLC. My practice focuses mostly on Real Estate / Corporate transactions, Wills, Trusts, and Probate matters.

Melissa G. on ContractsCounsel
View Melissa
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 5, 2021

Melissa G.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, IL, OH
University of Michigan

My name is Melissa “Mel” Green and I provide legal counsel to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses that is clear, concise, and focused on the practical impact of decisions. As trusted legal counsel, I proactively identify risks, and develop effective, practical solutions that protect my clients businesses, create positive outcomes, and help mitigate legal exposure. My areas of expertise include business formation, contract law/commercial transactions, healthcare law, and intellectual property. I also provide services as an outside general counsel or “fractional general counsel”. Prior to starting my own law firm, I spent the majority of my career in-house at large and small corporations, both for profit and not-for-profit, working with senior and executive management, in addition to other stakeholders at a variety of management levels. to proactively identify and address risks, mitigate legal exposure, streamline processes, lead persuasive negotiations that are integral to ensuring positive outcomes for the organization, and deliver hands-on, spectacular client service. There came a time when I realized that individuals and smaller entities were not receiving the same level of legal support and guidance as mid-size to large companies and as a result, individuals and small businesses were not growing and sustaining on the same level. I wanted to use my expertise to provide those that were underserved by the legal market with competent counsel at an affordable price. With the increasing number of new businesses, I knew that I could make a difference to those that needed legal guidance but were putting it off in fear of “Big Law” prices. I love to “partner” with my clients, get a deep understanding of their business, develop lasting professional relationships and watch them prosper. I want to find a way to help my clients maximize the reach, value and impact of their business. Services that I have provided over the course of my career: (i) reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements (leases, MSAs and SOWs, consulting services agreements, confidentiality agreements, SaaS agreements, coaching agreements, independent contractor agreements, coaching agreements, photographer agreements, waivers and releases, licensing agreements, etc.), (ii) business formation (operating agreements, written consents, bylaws, etc.), (iii) preparing policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries, (iv) conducting federal trademark searches and filing trademark applications/preparing trademark opinion letters after conducting appropriate legal research, and (v) general business counsel.

Stanley K. on ContractsCounsel
View Stanley
Member Since:
July 29, 2021

Stanley K.

Corporate Attorney
Free Consultation
Waltham, MA
29 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, MA, TX
University of Texas School of Law

Stan provides legal services to small to medium-sized clients in the New England region, and throughout the U.S. and abroad. His clients are involved in a variety of business sectors, including software development, e-commerce, investment management and advising, health care, manufacturing, biotechnology, telecommunications, retailing, and consulting and other services. Stan focuses on the unique needs of each of his clients, and seeks to establish long term relationships with them by providing timely, highly professional services and practical business judgment. Each client's objectives, business and management styles are carefully considered to help him provide more focused and relevant services. Stan also acts as an outsourced general counsel for some of his clients for the general management of their legal function, including the establishment of budgets, creation of internal compliance procedures, and the oversight of litigation or other outside legal services.

Sam W. on ContractsCounsel
View Sam
Member Since:
July 30, 2021

Sam W.

Entertainment attorney
Free Consultation
Los Angeles
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America

Entertainment attorney and film producer. Counsel clients on all matter of entertainment-related contracts, including talent representation, crew deals, financing agreements, and production legal. Former litigation attorney and owner of a documentary and scripted film and television production company. Well versed in small business foundation and general business contracts.

Robert D. on ContractsCounsel
View Robert
Member Since:
August 3, 2021

Robert D.

Solo Practitioner
Free Consultation
Cincinnati, OH
29 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC, NY
University North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Law

Robert is a skilled corporate lawyer, licensed to practice law in NY and DC. He has over 25 years of experience, with a focus on Venture Capital, Private Equity, M&A, General Business Law and Company Formation. Robert brings business side experience to every legal transactions. This allows him to shape a client's legal needs around its business goals to drive success in an effective and efficient manner.

Tim M. on ContractsCounsel
View Tim
Member Since:
August 3, 2021

Tim M.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Cambridge, MA
25 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MA, NY
Boston College Law School

Tim has 20 years of experience representing a wide variety of emerging and established companies in the technology, software, bitcoin and professional services industries. He works directly with his clients’ executives and boards of directors on corporate, intellectual property, and securities law issues. Recently, Tim has advised clients on Series A and Series B financings, corporate structuring, complex video licensing agreements, and structuring new hedge funds. Tim previously served as Forrester Research, Inc.’s General Counsel and Secretary where he was chief legal officer, led the company’s legal group, and managed the company’s legal and regulatory affairs. Tim played an integral role in the company’s initial public offering in 1997 and coordinated its secondary offering in 2000. He directed the legal process in the company’s acquisitions of Giga Information Group, Inc., Fletcher Research and Forit GmbH and oversaw over $125million in transactions. He also managed the company’s intellectual property assets. Tim is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and New York. Tim holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Boston College Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College

Spencer W. on ContractsCounsel
View Spencer
Member Since:
August 4, 2021

Spencer W.

Partner
Free Consultation
New York
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Columbia Law School

I’m a New York based attorney with substantial experience in media and art law, corporate structuring and commercial contracts. For the past several years, I have been advising startups and new business on their legal needs, with a special focus on tech and entertainment.

Robert Jay H. on ContractsCounsel
View Robert Jay
Member Since:
August 5, 2021

Robert Jay H.

Owner
Free Consultation
New York, NY
42 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
New York University School of Law

My Legal career hasfocused on representing businesses (corporations and limited liability companies) as general outside counsel. In this capacity, I have drafted a broad range of legal documents as well as analyzed proposed agreements drafted by the other party's attorney to the agreement for the pupose of determining the risks to which my client would be exposed. I maintained the client's minute book if no one in-house was available for that task. Additionally, if rquested, I served as a general advisor to the client's executive offers and to its Board of Directors.

Simon C. on ContractsCounsel
View Simon
Member Since:
August 5, 2021

Simon C.

Corporate Attorney
Free Consultation
Utah
19 Yrs Experience
Licensed in UT
Brigham Young University Law School

Corporate counsel with years of in-house experience working with and reporting to board / executive-level and upper management, along with extensive regional / national law firm background in commercial transactions and contracts, complex commercial litigation, and employment matters. Skilled at executing corporate priorities, driving profitability by implementing goal-oriented processes to achieve revenue and productivity targets, and managing company litigation and outside counsel. Recognized for creating policies and practices to address ethical dilemmas and resolving misconduct.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city