H-1B visa cost in 2026
H-1B visa costs $2,225 to $9,500 per petition in 2026, and most people pay about $6,500.
What moves the price
- The size of the employer changes several government fees.
- Lawyer fees differ from firm to firm.
- Optional premium processing adds a large fee.
- A request for more evidence adds lawyer time and cost.
- A new rule may add a $100,000 payment for some workers outside the US, and its legal status was unsettled in mid 2026.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The range is per petition, employer total, before premium processing. The price usually covers the registration fee, the USCIS petition fee, training and fraud fees, and the lawyer's work. Premium processing, the visa stamp fee at a consulate, and family forms are extra. The $100,000 payment, if it applies, is not in these figures.
H-1B government fees (small employer and larger employer)
| Fee | Small employer (25 or fewer) | Larger employer |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | $215 | $215 |
| Form I-129 petition fee | $460 | $780 |
| ACWIA training fee | $750 | $1,500 |
| Fraud prevention fee | $500 | $500 |
| Asylum program fee | $300 | $600 |
| Total government fees | $2,225 | $3,595 |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,965 | $2,965 |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Lighthouse.
Ways to pay less
- Employers with 25 or fewer full time staff pay lower petition, training, and asylum program fees.
- Skip premium processing if the start date is not urgent.
- Gather clean documents early to avoid a request for more evidence.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Lighthouse: H-1B Visa Cost
- Davidson Morris: H-1B Visa Costs 2026: Full Employer and Worker Guide
- Boundless: H-1B Visa Cost and Fees
- Beyond Border: H-1B Visa Cost 2026: Filing Fees and Sponsorship Guide
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
H-1B visa costs $2,225 to $9,500 per petition in 2026, and most people pay about $6,500. Most people pay about $6,500 per petition. The low end is $2,225 and the high end is $9,500.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The size of the employer changes several government fees; Lawyer fees differ from firm to firm; Optional premium processing adds a large fee.
How can I pay less?
Employers with 25 or fewer full time staff pay lower petition, training, and asylum program fees. Skip premium processing if the start date is not urgent. Gather clean documents early to avoid a request for more evidence.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 4 named price guides: Lighthouse, Davidson Morris, Boundless, Beyond Border. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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