Updated 1/27/2026
This guide provides a general breakdown of the filing fees for H-1B visas and employment-based green cards requiring a labor certification, identifying which fees must be paid by the employer and which can be paid by the employee. The breakdown also distinguishes between fees for different employer sizes and non-profit organizations, as well as optional costs that may arise during the process. Please note that this guide is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, we recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney. For the latest fees, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Fees that must be paid by employer:
| Fee | 1-25 Employees | 26+ Employees | Qualified Nonprofits |
| I-129 Nonimmigrant Petition Fee | $460 | $780 | $460 |
| ACWIA Fee | $750 | $1,500 | $0 |
| Antifraud Fee | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Asylum Program Fee | $300 | $600 | $0 |
| Total | $2,010* | $3,380* | $960* |
*The Trump administration introduced a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B petition filed by employers. There are exceptions to this fee and pending litigation. We have posted an article about the proclamation that we will continue to update here.
Fees that can be paid by employee:
| Fee | Cost |
| DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application | $185 |
| (Optional) Premium Processing (can be paid by the employee in certain circumstances) | $2,850 |
| (Optional) Advance Parole | $630 |
| New Parole Fee** | $1,000 |
| Total | $185-$4,620 |
**This parole fee applies in certain circumstances; see here for details.
Fees that must be paid by employer:
| Fee | 1–25 Employees | 26+ Employees | Qualified Nonprofits |
| PERM Advertisement Costs | $2,000–$5,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Asylum Program Fee (I-140 Petition) | $300 | $600 | $0 |
| Total | $2,300–$5,300 | $2,600–$5,600 | $2,000–$5000 |
Fees that can be paid by employee if adjustment of status eligible:
| Fee | Cost |
| I-140 Green Card Petition | $715 |
| I-485 Adjustment of Status Application | $1,440 |
| If 245(i) Eligible (Penalty Fee) | $1,000 |
| I-601 (if needed) | $1,050 |
| (Optional) Premium Processing (can be paid by employee in certain circumstances) | $2,805 |
| (Optional) Employment Authorization | $260 |
| Total | $2,155–$7,270 |
Fees that can be paid by employee if consular processing:
| Fee | Cost |
| I-140 Green Card Petition | $715 |
| DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application | $325*** |
| (Optional) Premium Processing | $2,805 |
| (Optional) Advance Parole | $630 |
| (If Needed) I-601A Waiver | $795 |
| Total | $1,040–$5,270 |
***An additional $235 applies after visa approval to obtain a physical green card.
Please note that this guide is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, we recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney. For the latest fees, please visit www.uscis.gov.