The H1B visa fee is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the US work visa process. Many skilled professionals accept US job offers without fully understanding who pays which fees, how much the total cost is, and what charges are legally required to be covered by the employer. This lack of clarity often leads to confusion, compliance risks, and financial disputes later in the process.
- What Is the H1B Visa? (Quick Context)
- H1B Visa Fee Breakdown (2026 Updated)
- Total H1B Visa Cost (At-a-Glance)
- Work Visa USA Cost — Who Pays What?
- H1B Visa Fee for Extensions, Transfers, and Amendments
- Common H1B Visa Fee Mistakes to Avoid
- Is the H1B Visa Fee Refundable?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Guidance for Sponsored Professionals
This 2026 guide provides a complete, transparent breakdown of H1B visa costs, including mandatory USCIS fees, optional premium processing charges, employer vs employee payment rules, and common mistakes sponsored professionals should avoid before an H1B petition is filed.
What Is the H1B Visa? (Quick Context)
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant US work visa that allows American employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. These roles typically require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fields such as:
- Information technology
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Data science
- Architecture
- Academia
Unlike many other visa categories, the H1B visa is employer-sponsored, meaning the employer—not the employee—must file the petition and is legally responsible for most visa-related costs.
For a full explanation of eligibility and rules, see:
https://www.usvisaintel.com/visa-types/h1b-visa-explained-work-visa-for-professionals/
H1B Visa Fee Breakdown (2026 Updated)
The total cost of an H1B visa is made up of multiple USCIS fees, some mandatory and some optional. Not all fees apply to every employer, but most first-time H1B filings include several required payments.
H1B Registration Fee
The H1B process begins with electronic registration during the annual H1B cap season.
- Amount (2026): USD 10
- Paid by: Employer
- Purpose: Entry into the H1B lottery system
- Refundable: No
If the registration is not selected in the lottery, the process ends here.
Base H1B Filing Fee (Form I-129)
This is the core USCIS filing fee for submitting an H1B petition.
- Amount (2026): USD 460
- Paid by: Employer
- Purpose: Petition processing by USCIS
- Refundable: No
This fee applies to almost all H1B petitions, including new filings, transfers, and extensions.
ACWIA Training Fee
The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee funds US workforce training programs.
- USD 750 for employers with 1–25 employees
- USD 1,500 for employers with 26 or more employees
- Paid by: Employer
- Applies to: Most initial H1B petitions and transfers
Some employers—such as nonprofit research institutions and universities—may be exempt.
Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee
This fee helps USCIS investigate and prevent fraud within the H1B program.
- Amount: USD 500
- Paid by: Employer
- Applies to:
- First-time H1B petitions
- H1B employer transfers
This fee is not required for extensions with the same employer.
Public Law 114-113 Fee (If Applicable)
This additional fee applies only to certain H1B-dependent employers.
- Amount: USD 4,000
- Paid by: Employer
- Applies when:
- Employer has 50+ employees, and
- More than 50% are on H1B or L-1 visas
This fee does not apply to most small or mid-sized companies.
Premium Processing Fee (Optional)
Premium processing allows USCIS to adjudicate the petition faster.
- Amount (2026): USD 2,805
- Processing time: 15 calendar days
- Optional: Yes
Legally, either the employer or employee may pay this fee, depending on who benefits from expedited processing.
Total H1B Visa Cost (At-a-Glance)
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $10 | Employer |
| Base Filing Fee | $460 | Employer |
| ACWIA Fee | $750–$1,500 | Employer |
| Fraud Fee | $500 | Employer |
| Public Law Fee | $4,000 (if applicable) | Employer |
| Premium Processing | $2,805 (optional) | Employer / Employee |
Typical Total Cost
- Without premium processing: USD 1,720–2,470
- With premium processing: USD 4,525–5,275
- H1B-dependent employers: Higher due to additional fees
Work Visa USA Cost — Who Pays What?
US labor regulations are clear about who must pay which H1B fees.
Fees the Employer Must Pay
- Registration fee
- Base filing fee
- ACWIA training fee
- Fraud prevention fee
- Public Law 114-113 fee (if applicable)
These fees cannot be passed to the employee, either directly or indirectly.
Fees an Employee May Pay
- Premium processing fee (only if it benefits the employee)
- Personal expenses such as document copies or travel
If an employer requires premium processing for business reasons, the employer must pay for it.
H1B Visa Fee for Extensions, Transfers, and Amendments
H1B Extension
- Base filing fee applies
- ACWIA fee may apply (depending on prior payments)
- Fraud fee usually not required
H1B Transfer (Change of Employer)
- New employer pays all applicable fees
- Fraud prevention fee applies
- ACWIA fee usually applies
H1B Amendment
- Required for major role or location changes
- Base filing fee applies
- Other fees depend on case specifics
Common H1B Visa Fee Mistakes to Avoid
Many professionals face issues due to avoidable misunderstandings, including:
- Paying employer-required fees personally
- Accepting reimbursement demands after filing
- Assuming premium processing improves approval chances
- Working with unauthorized third-party agents
- Not confirming employer compliance with wage rules
Visa fees do not influence USCIS approval decisions. Eligibility and documentation quality matter far more.
Is the H1B Visa Fee Refundable?
In most cases, H1B visa fees are non-refundable.
If the Petition Is Denied
- USCIS filing fees are not refunded
- Premium processing fee may be refunded if USCIS misses the deadline
If the Petition Is Withdrawn
- Fees already paid are generally not returned
If Registration Is Not Selected
- Registration fee is not refunded
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an H1B visa cost in 2026?
The total cost typically ranges from USD 1,720 to over USD 5,000, depending on employer size and premium processing.
Do employees pay H1B visa fees?
Most mandatory fees must be paid by the employer. Employees may only pay optional costs in limited situations.
Is premium processing worth it?
Premium processing speeds up the decision but does not increase approval chances.
Are H1B fees different for startups?
Smaller employers often pay lower ACWIA fees but still bear most costs.
Can an employer recover H1B fees from salary?
No. This is prohibited under US labor law.
Final Guidance for Sponsored Professionals
Understanding the H1B visa fee structure is essential before accepting a sponsored role in the United States. Skilled professionals should ensure fee responsibilities are clearly discussed with employers before filing begins. Transparent cost handling not only protects workers financially but also ensures legal compliance throughout the H1B process.
For broader visa context and alternatives, explore:
https://www.usvisaintel.com/category/visa-types/
Professionals who verify costs early, understand employer obligations, and seek clarity before filing are far better positioned for a smooth H1B journey in 2026.
