H-1B Cost Calculator

About the H-1B Cost Calculator

The H-1B visa is the most common employer-sponsored work visa in the United States, allowing companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Understanding the true cost of an H-1B petition is critical for budgeting and making informed hiring decisions.

H-1B filing involves multiple government fees: the base I-129 filing fee ($460), the ACWIA training fee ($750 or $1,500 based on employer size), the fraud prevention fee ($500), and for larger employers, the asylum program surcharge ($600 for employers with 25+ employees). Add premium processing ($2,805 for 15-day adjudication) and attorney fees ($2,000–$8,000), and total costs can range from $5,000 to over $15,000 per petition.

This H-1B Cost Calculator provides a detailed breakdown of all fee components, helping employers budget accurately for H-1B sponsorship and compare the cost across multiple potential hires.

When This Page Helps

H-1B costs are spread across many fee categories that change periodically. This calculator ensures you capture every required fee for an accurate budget. It's especially useful when sponsoring multiple candidates and needing to present total costs to finance.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter the base I-129 filing fee (currently $460).
2. Select your ACWIA training fee based on company size ($750 for <26 employees, $1,500 for 26+).
3. Enter the fraud prevention and detection fee ($500).
4. Enter the asylum program fee if applicable ($600 for 25+ employees).
5. Add premium processing fee if expedited review is needed ($2,805).
6. Enter attorney fees for case preparation.
7. Review the total H-1B petition cost.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• The H-1B cap lottery occurs in March each year—plan and budget well in advance.
• Cap-exempt employers (universities, research institutions) avoid the lottery and can file anytime.
• Premium processing is refundable if USCIS doesn't adjudicate within 15 business days.
• Some fees increase periodically—verify current USCIS fee schedules before budgeting.
• Consider the cost of extensions (same fees minus ACWIA in some cases) when planning multi-year budgets.
• If sponsoring multiple H-1Bs, negotiate volume rates with your immigration attorney.

H-1B Fee Schedule Breakdown

The government fee structure includes: base I-129 fee ($460), ACWIA training fee ($750 or $1,500), fraud prevention and detection fee ($500 for initial and change of employer petitions), public law asylum program fee ($600 for employers with 25+ employees), and optional premium processing ($2,805). These fees are subject to change with USCIS fee rule updates.

The H-1B Lottery Process

H-1B cap-subject petitions go through an annual lottery. Employers must register during the designated period (typically March), pay a $10 registration fee per beneficiary, and wait for selection. Only selected registrations can file the full petition. The regular cap is 65,000 visas plus 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders.

H-1B vs. Alternative Visa Options

Consider alternatives that may be faster or cheaper: L-1 for intracompany transfers, O-1 for extraordinary ability workers, TN for Canadian/Mexican professionals, E-3 for Australians, or J-1 for trainees. Each has different cost structures, processing times, and eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the base H-1B filing fee?

  The base I-129 petition fee is $460. This is the minimum fee required for any H-1B petition filed with USCIS. Additional mandatory fees (ACWIA, fraud, asylum) are added based on employer size and characteristics.

• What is the ACWIA training fee?

  The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee is $750 for employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees and $1,500 for employers with 26 or more. This fee funds U.S. worker training programs and cannot be recovered from the employee.

• Is premium processing worth it?

  Premium processing costs $2,805 and guarantees a response within 15 calendar days. It's worth it when you need the worker to start quickly, are facing project deadlines, or when standard processing times are 6+ months. The fee is refundable if USCIS misses the deadline.

• How much do H-1B attorneys charge?

  Immigration attorney fees for H-1B petitions range from $2,000 for straightforward cases to $5,000–$8,000 for complex cases. Firms handling high volumes may offer lower per-petition rates. Get detailed fee quotes including any amendment or RFE (Request for Evidence) response costs.

• What additional costs come after the H-1B?

  Plan for: H-1B amendments if the worker changes job location or duties ($460 + attorney fees), H-1B extensions every 3 years (full fees again), and eventual green card sponsorship (PERM + I-140 + I-485 totaling $10,000–$20,000+ over several years). Keeping this factor in mind will improve the accuracy and usefulness of your overall calculations.

• Can I pass H-1B costs to the employee?

  The ACWIA training fee must be paid by the employer. The base filing fee and other fees may potentially be shared, but practices vary and legal opinions differ. Premium processing can be employee-paid if requested for employee convenience. Consult your immigration attorney.