L-1 Visa Cost in New York 2026
How much a L-1 visa costs in New York in 2026. Government fees, attorney fees and total estimated cost.
Applying for a L-1 visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the L-1
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a L-1 application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | $1,385 | — | 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
$2,600 – $6,500 in New York. 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
- DS-160 Visa Application (MRV) Fee: $205 — Required only for consular processing (petition-based/H,L,O category).
How to apply for the L-1
- 1
Establish the qualifying relationship
Confirm the U.S. and foreign entities are parent/subsidiary/affiliate/branch of the same corporate structure.
- 2
File Form I-129 with the L Classification Supplement
The U.S. employer petitions USCIS, including evidence of at least 1 continuous year of qualifying employment abroad within the past 3 years.
- 3
Await adjudication
USCIS issues an approval, RFE, or denial; Form I-907 can be filed for a 15-business-day premium processing decision.
- 4
Consular processing or change of status
Beneficiary applies for the visa abroad (DS-160 + interview) or adjusts status if already in the U.S.
Typical processing time: Standard processing runs roughly 6–7 months as of mid-2026; premium processing ($2,965) guarantees action within 15 business days, but not approval.
Documents you'll need
- Organizational charts showing the corporate relationship between U.S. and foreign entities
- Corporate documents/tax records/stock certificates proving the qualifying relationship
- Evidence of at least 1 year of continuous employment abroad in the past 3 years
- Detailed U.S. job offer letter describing executive/managerial/specialized-knowledge duties
- Evidence of specialized knowledge (training records, project documentation) for L-1B
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to clearly document the qualifying corporate relationship, especially with complex ownership structures
- Asserting "specialized knowledge" without supporting evidence or explaining why a U.S. worker couldn't fill the role
- Vague job duty descriptions that don't establish executive/managerial/specialized-knowledge status
- Not meeting the 1-continuous-year-abroad-in-3-years requirement
Sources: USCIS — L-1A Intracompany Transferee
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $3,985 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $6,585 – $10,485 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $10,055 – $14,455 |
How to save money on your L-1
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $2,600–$6,500.
- 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.
L-1 cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a L-1 visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a L-1 visa in 2026 ranges from about $6,585 to $14,455, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the L-1 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 L-1 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 L-1 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 L-1 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 L-1 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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