How Much Are H1B Visa Fees? (Detailed Pricing)
How Much Are H1B Visa Fees? (Detailed Pricing)
Asım Kılınç, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm
The H1B visa, also preferred by Turkish professionals seeking to work in the United States, involves various fees during the application process. These fees consist of various items affecting both the applicant and the employer. H1B visa fees may vary depending on current regulations for the year of application, expedited processing, and foreign exchange rules.
In this guide, I provide detailed information about the H1B visa fee, payment items, and total costs. You can find answers to the following questions in this article:
- What Does the H1B Visa Include?
- How Much Does an H1B Visa Cost?
- How Much Does an H1B Visa Cost? Costs Vary Depending on the USD/TRY Exchange Rate
- US H1B Visa Fee: Costs for Employers and Applicants
- H1B Visa Premium Processing Fee: Expedited Processing Cost
If you have any questions about H1B visa fees or anything else related to these topics, please feel free to contact me through the comments section below this article or by sending me a message directly on LinkedIn. Don't forget that you can also submit your questions to me through the website of CK Law Firm, the immigration law firm of which I am a founding partner!
What Does the H1B Visa Include?
The H1B visa is designed for employers who want to hire Turkish professionals to work in specific specialized occupations in the United States. These occupations include jobs requiring a high level of education and expertise in fields such as technology, engineering, and finance. Individuals seeking this visa must first receive a job offer from an American employer. Before the employer can apply on your behalf to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they must first submit an approved Labor Conditions Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The application process has multiple costs. The basic costs include the application fee, fraud prevention fee, and employer-paid education fund fees. An optional premium processing fee is also available to expedite the process.
However, once you obtain an H1B visa, you are eligible to work in the US for three years. If you then request an extension, you can continue working in the US. Furthermore, in some cases, it may be possible to convert your H1B visa into a Green Card.
How Much Does an H1B Visa Cost?
The cost of an H1B visa is a question that many professionals wonder about. The application process involves several steps, and these costs are typically covered by the employer. First, a registration fee is paid for the H1B visa. If the application is approved, the employer must then pay the filing fee for Form I-129 (Petition for Alien Worker).
- Registration Fee: $215
- Form I-129 Fee: $780 for large businesses, $460 for small businesses and nonprofits
US visa fee regulations are determined by the US Department of State, in accordance with applicable laws. However, these fees are subject to change over time.
How Much Does an H1B Visa Cost? Costs Vary Depending on the USD/TRY Exchange Rate
The H1B visa cost is calculated based on the exchange rate, which can fluctuate constantly. For example, assuming the current exchange rate is 1 USD = 35.02 TL:
- Petition Based Visa Category Fee: $215 × 35.02 TL = 7,529 TL
- Form I-129 Fee (Large Businesses): $780 × 35.02 TL = 27,315 TL
- Form I-129 Fee (Small Businesses): $460 × 35.02 TL = 16,109 TL
Because H1B visa fees are determined in dollars, costs in Turkish Lira may vary when calculated using the USD/TRY exchange rate. It's helpful to regularly check the dollar exchange rate to ensure your calculations and savings are in TRY.
US H1B Visa Fee: Costs for Employers and Applicants
The US H1B visa fee policy includes separate payments for employers and employees, with different requirements for each party. These fees are paid at different stages of the application process, and each party's responsibilities are clearly defined.
Fees Covered by the Employer
- Filing Fee: $460 or $780 for Form I-129 filed with USCIS
- Attorney Fees: Legal support during the visa application process
Fees Covered by the Applicant
- Consular Visa Application Fee: $190 during the US consulate interview
Important Points:
- The employer cannot legally pass certain fees to the employee during the application process.
- The applicant is responsible for personal expenses such as consular visa application fees.
- Premium processing fees are determined by agreement between the employer and the employee.
H1B Visa Premium Processing Fee: Expedited Processing Cost
The H1B visa premium processing fee is an option for employers who want to expedite the application process. With premium processing, USCIS processes your petition within 15 business days. This service costs $2,805 and is typically paid by the employer.
Premium processing is especially preferred when the application process falls within a critical timeframe. However, the premium processing fee only speeds up USCIS processing time; it has no impact on consular interview or visa approval times.
For more information about the US H1B visa and expert support during your immigration process, please contact us. You can also reach me anytime on LinkedIn to schedule a meeting and discuss any questions you may have about the process.