The H-1B visa cost in 2025 covers filing fees, attorney expenses, premium processing, and a brand-new Visa Integrity Fee. Beyond Border breaks down every dollar so employers and workers know what to expect, and how to budget smartly.
Whenever we meet with employers considering an H-1B hire, the same question pops up: “So what’s this going to cost me?” And honestly, it’s a smart question.
The H-1B process isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about money, time, and planning. For a small business, even $2,000 in filing fees is significant. For a large tech firm filing 50 petitions in a year, that number multiplies fast.
At Beyond Border, we’ve seen both sides: the scrappy startup stretching every dollar, and the enterprise balancing six-figure immigration budgets. In every case, the key is clarity. Knowing what the H-1B visa cost looks like in 2025 gives you control over the process instead of reacting to surprises later.
Step one is simple: if you want an H-1B, you have to enter the lottery. Employers pay a $215 registration fee per candidate.
This used to be just $10. But as of 2025, USCIS raised it sharply to discourage mass filings. For a company submitting dozens of registrations, that difference is real. A small firm entering one candidate might not blink, but a multinational filing 200 registrations? That’s $43,000 before a single petition even gets filed.
We advise clients to register only serious candidates. At Beyond Border, we do a quick eligibility review so you don’t waste hundreds or thousands, on entries with no real chance of approval.
Once a worker is selected in the lottery, employers move on to filing. Here’s the 2025 breakdown:
For some employers, only the basics apply, about $2,000 in total. For others, especially bigger firms with high visa dependency, the filing cost alone can exceed $8,000.
We’ve watched employers get blindsided by that Public Law surcharge. That’s why we flag it early when budgeting with clients.
That means the total H-1B visa cost ranges from $5,000 to $12,000.
A small design studio filing for its first H-1B hire might spend around $6,000. A Fortune 500 company filing 40 petitions could be writing checks in the hundreds of thousands. Either way, the stakes are high enough that planning ahead matters.
We often get asked: “Can’t we just file without a lawyer?” Technically yes. But we’ve seen the risks. A simple oversight, like a missing document or a typo in a job description, can trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE). That not only delays the case but adds stress and extra costs.
In 2025, attorney fees average between $1,500 and $4,000 per petition. The price usually depends on complexity and the firm. Some employers see this as an optional add-on, but for many, it’s an insurance policy against mistakes.
Our approach at Beyond Border is to blend legal guidance with technology. That way, employers get accuracy and efficiency without paying inflated fees.
If a worker changes jobs, the new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition. The costs mirror those of a fresh petition: filing fees, potential surcharges, and optional extras.
Here’s where premium processing often comes into play. For $2,805, USCIS guarantees a decision in 15 days. Without it, transfers can take months, and that can disrupt both the employer and employee.
We usually recommend premium processing for transfers or time-sensitive hires. The peace of mind is often worth the extra cost.
Employers can’t just pass all fees to the worker. By law, certain costs, like the ACWIA training fee and fraud fee, are the employer’s responsibility. Covering them is part of compliance.
Optional expenses, such as premium processing, can be shared if both sides agree. But the Department of Labor is strict: any cost that reduces the worker’s required wage level is not allowed to be shifted.
In practice, most employers budget $5,000 to $8,000 per worker for sponsorship. Beyond Border helps companies balance compliance with fairness, so no one ends up in hot water later.
Every March, USCIS opens the lottery registration. Miss that application deadline, and you’re out until next year. Once the lottery closes, petitions for selected workers are filed beginning April 1.
There are 85,000 new H-1B slots each year, 65,000 regular cap and 20,000 for advanced degree holders. Demand always exceeds supply. That’s why timing is everything.
As for processing, normal timelines stretch three to six months. Premium processing shrinks that to 15 days. Many employers decide case by case whether the faster decision is worth the cost.
Here’s one of the most common questions: How long is an H-1B visa valid? The answer: three years to start, extendable up to six.
Extensions require new filings, though fees are sometimes lower if no surcharges apply. Still, it’s smart to budget for renewal costs.
We advise starting extensions six months before expiration. It avoids crunch time and keeps both employer and worker secure.
At Beyond Border, we set up checklists early. It keeps cases smooth and reduces the chance of delays caused by missing paperwork.
Imagine a mid-sized tech company filing for a software developer in 2025. The costs might look like this:
That brings the total to about $8,300. For a company filing five such petitions, the annual spend is over $40,000.
This is why we emphasize financial planning for immigration programs. Beyond Border helps employers forecast these costs so hiring decisions are never blindsided by budget gaps.
How much does an H-1B visa cost in 2025?
Between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on surcharges and legal help.
Does the H-1B require sponsorship?
Yes. Only employers can petition; workers cannot file alone.
How long does it take?
Standard: 3–6 months. Premium: 15 days.
Can employees pay for premium processing?
Yes, if both sides agree, since it’s optional.
What’s the new Visa Integrity Fee?
A $250 fee introduced in 2025 for certain H-1B and L-1 petitions.
The H-1B visa cost in 2025 can seem intimidating. But when broken down step by step, it becomes far less mysterious. Registration, filing, attorney help, premium processing—they all have their place.
At Beyond Border, we guide both employers and skilled workers through this journey. Our goal is to keep the process clear, compliant, and cost-effective. With the right strategy, these expenses are not roadblocks, they’re simply part of the investment in building stronger teams and brighter futures.
