A complete breakdown of every fee and expense employers should expect when sponsoring an H-1B worker in 2025.
Understanding the true cost of H-1B sponsorship helps employers budget accurately and avoid surprises. Beyond the government filing fees, there are attorney costs, compliance expenses, and potential premium processing charges. This guide breaks down every cost so you can make informed hiring decisions.
USCIS requires several fees when filing an H-1B petition (Form I-129). As of 2025, the mandatory fees include:
Premium processing (Form I-907) costs $2,805 and guarantees USCIS will take action on the petition within 15 business days. While optional, many employers use premium processing to reduce uncertainty and get workers started sooner. Unlike the base fees, the employee may pay the premium processing fee if they choose to request it.
Most employers hire immigration attorneys to handle H-1B filings. Attorney fees vary widely but typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a standard H-1B petition. Complex cases involving RFE responses, multiple worksites, or third-party placements may cost more. Annual retainer arrangements with immigration firms are common for employers who sponsor multiple workers.
For a typical employer with more than 25 employees sponsoring one H-1B worker:
For small employers (25 or fewer employees), costs are $750–$1,050 lower due to reduced ACWIA and Asylum fees.
H-1B sponsorship is not a one-time expense. Extensions every 3 years require new filing fees and attorney costs. If the employee changes worksites, an amended petition may be needed. Employers must also maintain LCA compliance records, post notices, and keep public access files. Budget for $3,000–$6,000 per extension and $1,000–$3,000 for amendments.
By law, employers must pay the base I-129 filing fee, the ACWIA training fee, the fraud detection fee, and all attorney fees related to the petition. Employers cannot require the employee to reimburse these costs. However, the premium processing fee and costs related to the employee's personal immigration matters (such as dependent visa applications) may be paid by the employee.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →No. Employers cannot deduct mandatory H-1B filing fees or attorney costs from the employee's wages. If USCIS or DOL discovers that an employer has passed these costs to the employee, it can result in penalties, back wages, and program debarment. The only fee an employee may voluntarily pay is premium processing.
Yes. H-1B filing fees, attorney fees, and related sponsorship costs are generally deductible as ordinary business expenses. Consult with your tax advisor for specifics, but these costs are treated the same as other professional service and regulatory compliance expenses.
Slightly. H-1B transfers (change of employer) require the base filing fee, fraud detection fee, and asylum fee, but may not require the ACWIA training fee if the worker is already counted against the cap. However, attorney fees are similar. Overall savings are typically $750–$1,500 compared to an initial petition.
Government filing fees are generally non-refundable if the petition is denied. Attorney fees depend on your agreement with the law firm — some offer partial refunds, others do not. Premium processing fees may be refunded if USCIS fails to act within the 15-day window, but not if the case is denied within that timeframe.