H-1B Work Visa: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know

The H-1B work visa program is crucial for U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers. As the 2025 fiscal year approaches, understanding the associated costs is essential for employers and prospective employees. The fees vary depending on the type of petition and the employer’s specific circumstances. Here’s a comprehensive look at the H-1B visa costs and their responsibilities. Navigate the H-1B work visa costs for 2025 with our detailed guide. 

H-1B Visa Costs in 2025

H-1B Registration Fee

• Cost: $10
• Details: Introduced in March 2024, this fee is required for registering with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the H-1B lottery. The registration window typically opens in March each year.

USCIS Filing Fees

• Base Filing Fee: $460
  • This fee applies to all H-1B petitions and covers processing the bare petition by USCIS.
• Anti-Fraud Fee: $500
  • This mandatory fee applies to all initial petitions and those filed for a change of employer and is intended to prevent fraudulent applications.

Additional Fees for Certain Employers

• Cost: $4,000
• Details: Employers with over 50 employees, where over 50% of their workforce consists of H-1B or L-1 visa holders, are subject to this additional fee per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. This regulation remains effective through September 30, 2025.

Premium Processing Fee (Optional)

• Cost: $2,805
• Details: Employers can opt for premium processing to expedite the petition review to 15 calendar days. This fee increased in 2024 and remains an optional service for faster adjudication.

Total Estimated Costs

• For Employers Not Subject to the $4,000 Fee:
  • Total: $970
  • Breakdown: $10 (registration) + $460 (base filing) + $500 (anti-fraud)
• For Employers Subject to the Additional $4,000 Fee:
  • Total: $4,970
  • Breakdown: $10 (registration) + $460 (base filing) + $500 (anti-fraud) + $4,000 (additional employer fee)
• With Premium Processing:
  • For Non-Subject Employers: $3,775
  • For Subject Employers: $7,775
  • Breakdown: Adds $2,805 for expedited processing to either total.

Who Pays for the H-1B Visa?

Employer Responsibilities

• Base Filing Fee ($460): The employer must pay this fee when filing the H-1 B petition with USCIS.
• Anti-Fraud Fee ($500): Employers must cover this cost for initial and change-of-employer petitions.
• Additional Employer Fee ($4,000): This fee applies to large employers with significant H-1B/L-1 visa holders and is also the employer’s responsibility.
• Premium Processing Fee ($2,805) (Optional): If the employer opts for premium processing to expedite the application process, they are responsible for this fee.

Employee Responsibilities

• H-1B Registration Fee ($10): Typically paid by the employer, but in some cases, this cost may be passed to the employee.
• Visa Stamping Fees & Interview Costs: Employees generally cover the costs associated with the visa stamping and the visa interview process at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Important Regulations

• Employer’s Obligation: U.S. immigration laws mandate that employers cover essential fees, including base filing and anti-fraud fees. These cannot be transferred to the employee to ensure the application costs do not reduce their wages.
• Prohibited Employee Costs: Employees cannot be required to pay for the base filing or anti-fraud fees, as this would unfairly shift the financial burden from the employer.

Understanding these costs and regulations is crucial for employers and employees navigating the H-1B visa process. Proper preparation can avoid potential legal issues and ensure a smoother application experience.