Understand the critical fee exemption for H-1B COS applicants.
A primary concern for many H-1B applicants is the potential $100,000 fee. This page clarifies whether pursuing an H-1B Change of Status (COS) can help you avoid this significant cost, especially if you are currently on an F-1 OPT visa.
| Feature | Data Point | Trend vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| $100K Fee Applicability | Consular processing ONLY | N/A |
| F-1 OPT Change of Status Fee | EXEMPT from $100K fee | N/A |
| Total Verified Sponsors (Get Wisa) | 45,000+ | N/A |
| Total H-1B Filing Records | 323,617 | N/A |
Our analysis of DOL data shows that companies frequently sponsoring H-1B visas via Change of Status (COS) are often those that prefer to retain talent already within the U.S. workforce, thereby avoiding the complexities and costs associated with international recruitment and consular processing.
While COS avoids the $100K fee, ensure your employer is aware of and prepared for the new Form I-129 requirements effective April 2026. Missing these updates can lead to application denials or delays, negating the benefits of COS.
The $100,000 fee for H-1B visas is a significant concern, but it's crucial to understand its specific application: it is levied only on employers who petition for H-1B status for employees who will be working primarily outside the United States and require consular processing. For individuals already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant status, such as F-1 OPT, and who are eligible to change their status to H-1B, this fee is entirely avoided.
This exemption makes Change of Status (COS) a highly attractive pathway. With over 45,000 verified sponsors in Get Wisa's database, professionals can identify companies that actively utilize COS, ensuring they can secure H-1B status without incurring the substantial $100K fee.
Companies that frequently sponsor H-1B visas via Change of Status, thereby avoiding the $100K fee for their employees, include major tech and consulting firms:
Q: Does H-1B Change of Status (COS) always avoid the $100K fee?
A: Yes, if you are eligible for H-1B COS and are already in the U.S. on a valid visa like F-1 OPT, you are exempt from the $100K fee, which is only for consular processing.
Q: Which visa holders are most likely to use COS to avoid the $100K fee?
A: Individuals on F-1 OPT are prime candidates for H-1B COS to avoid the $100K fee. Other common statuses include L-2, E-2, and J-2, provided they meet H-1B eligibility.
Q: What is the difference between COS and consular processing for H-1B?
A: COS allows you to change status while remaining in the U.S. Consular processing requires you to apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy abroad, and this is where the $100K fee applies.
Q: Can I find companies that sponsor H-1B COS to avoid the fee?
A: Absolutely. Get Wisa's database of over 45,000 verified sponsors helps you identify companies that frequently use COS, allowing you to avoid the $100K fee.
Search thousands of verified H-1B sponsors by company, industry, and location.
Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →Yes, if you are eligible for H-1B COS and are already in the U.S. on a valid visa like F-1 OPT, you are exempt from the $100K fee, which is only for consular processing.
Individuals on F-1 OPT are prime candidates for H-1B COS to avoid the $100K fee. Other common statuses include L-2, E-2, and J-2, provided they meet H-1B eligibility.
COS allows you to change status while remaining in the U.S. Consular processing requires you to apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy abroad, and this is where the $100K fee applies.
Absolutely. Get Wisa's database of over 45,000 verified sponsors helps you identify companies that frequently use COS, allowing you to avoid the $100K fee.