H-1B Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a H-1B visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a H-1B visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
$8,935 – $12,435
Mandatory USCIS fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
⚠️ H-1B $100,000 Supplemental Fee: $100,000
Currently NOT collectible: a federal court vacated the fee in June 2026, and on July 24, 2026 the First Circuit Court of Appeals denied the government's request to reinstate it. The government may still seek Supreme Court review, and the underlying proclamation is separately set to expire Sept 20, 2026 unless renewed. Status can change quickly — verify current status with USCIS before relying on this.
Check current status on USCIS ↗Mandatory USCIS fees for the H-1B
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a H-1B application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | $780 | — | Official ↗ |
| ACWIA Training & Education Fee | $1,500 | $750 for employers with ≤25 full-time employees; paid by employer. | Official ↗ |
| Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee | $500 | — | Official ↗ |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 for employers with ≤25 full-time employees; $0 for nonprofits. Paid by the petitioning employer. | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$2,000 – $5,000 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Premium Processing (Form I-907): $2,965
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
Other optional fees
- Biometrics Services Fee: $85 — Required only for consular processing.
- DS-160 Visa Application (MRV) Fee: $205 — Required only for consular processing (petition-based/H,L,O category).
How to apply for the H-1B
- 1
Electronic registration (the H-1B lottery)
The employer registers the candidate online during the annual registration window (FY2027: March 4–19, 2026). Since a Feb 2026 rule change, selection is wage-weighted — job offers at a higher DOL wage level get more entries — but remains beneficiary-centric, so one person only gets one set of entries regardless of how many employers register them.
- 2
Selection notification
USCIS notifies selected registrants (for FY2027, by March 31, 2026). Only selected registrants may file a full petition.
- 3
Labor Condition Application (LCA)
The employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor and must have it certified before filing the petition. It can be submitted up to 6 months before the intended start date.
- 4
File Form I-129
The employer files Form I-129 with the certified LCA during the petition filing window (April 1 – June 30, 2026 for FY2027 cap cases), optionally with Form I-907 for premium processing.
- 5
Decision and status start
USCIS approves, denies, or issues a Request for Evidence (RFE). If the beneficiary is abroad, a consular visa interview follows approval. Cap-subject H-1B status cannot start earlier than October 1 of the fiscal year.
Typical processing time: Regular processing runs roughly 9–10.5 months as of mid-2026 and varies by service center. Premium processing ($2,965) guarantees a decision (approval, denial, or RFE) within 15 business days.
Documents you'll need
- Certified Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Employer support letter establishing the specialty occupation and the beneficiary's qualifications
- Beneficiary's degree certificates/transcripts, plus a credential evaluation if the degree is foreign
- Valid passport, and current visa/I-94 status documents if already in the US
- Resume and employer reference letters documenting relevant experience
- Employer business registration and EIN documentation
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not clearly establishing the role as a "specialty occupation" requiring a specific bachelor's degree — the single most common RFE trigger
- Weak evidence of the employer-employee relationship, especially for third-party or consulting placements
- Mismatches between the LCA and the petition (wage level, job duties, or worksite)
- Insufficient documentation connecting the beneficiary's specific degree/experience to the specialty occupation
Sources: USCIS — FY2027 H-1B registration · DOL — LCA program · Boundless — H-1B RFE reasons
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $3,465 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $5,465 – $8,465 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $8,935 – $12,435 |
How to save money on your H-1B
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $2,000–$5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
H-1B cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a H-1B visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a H-1B visa in 2026 ranges from about $5,465 to $12,435, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the H-1B application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a H-1B visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a H-1B visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a H-1B visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a H-1B visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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