H-1B Visa Fee: Full Breakdown and How to Pay It

If you're planning to work in the US on an H-1B, the first thing on your mind is probably the fee. Getting the numbers right saves you from nasty surprises at the USCIS office. Below you’ll find every charge that shows up on the invoice, what each one covers, and the best way to handle the payment.

What Makes Up the H-1B Fee?

The base filing fee is $460. This is the non‑negotiable part and goes straight to processing your petition. Next comes the ACWIA (American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act) fee. If the employer has 25 or fewer full‑time employees, it’s $750; larger companies pay $1,500. This fee supports training programs for US workers.

There’s also a $500 fraud prevention and detection fee, which applies to most new H-1B petitions. Employers who are already filing for a change of employer or extension may be exempt, but most first‑time petitions pay it.

Finally, the optional premium processing service costs $2,500. Pay this if you need a decision within 15 calendar days. It’s not required, but many candidates use it to speed things up.

How to Pay the Fees Correctly

All fees are paid by the employer, not the employee. The payment is submitted with Form I-129 using a USCIS‑approved method: a personal check, money order, or electronic payment via the USCIS online portal. Make sure the check is payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and that the amount matches the exact fee schedule.

Don’t forget to include the correct receipt number on your supporting documents. A missing or wrong number can lead to a request for evidence (RFE) and delay the whole process.

Some employers bundle the fees into the overall compensation package, but the law requires them to cover the costs upfront. If a recruiter asks you to pay any part of the fee, that’s a red flag.

Keep a copy of the payment receipt and the filing confirmation (Form I-797) for your records. You’ll need the receipt number when checking status online or when your visa interview comes up.

Fees can change each fiscal year, so always double‑check the latest schedule on the USCIS website before you file. The amount listed here is accurate for 2025, but a small hike could happen next year.

Quick tip: ask your HR or immigration attorney to verify the fee calculations before you sign anything. A simple error in the ACWIA tier can add an extra $750 you didn’t expect.

Once the payment is accepted, the USCIS will send a receipt notice. From there, you can track the case online using the receipt number. If you opted for premium processing, you’ll hear back in about two weeks; otherwise, the normal timeline is three to four months.

Bottom line: know each fee component, let your employer handle the payment, keep all receipts, and stay on top of any USCIS updates. With the right prep, the H-1B fee won’t be a roadblock—just a step toward your new job in the US.