Understanding the Costs of Sponsoring a Work Visa in the U.S.

Hiring international talent can bring fresh ideas, specialized skills, and a global perspective to your business. However, for U.S. employers, it also comes with challenges, especially when it comes to sponsoring a work visa.

One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of this process is cost. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does sponsoring a work visa cost money?", the answer is yes, and it can vary widely depending on the visa type and your company’s size. 

Whether you’re a small business sponsoring your first foreign employee or a large company managing multiple immigration cases, it is vital to understand the full cost breakdown.

Key Takeaways:

• Why knowing the full cost of sponsoring U.S. work visas like H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and EB-2/EB-3 is critical for employers.
• A clear breakdown of who covers filing fees, legal costs, and optional services like premium processing.
• Smart budgeting steps to avoid delays, compliance risks, and unexpected expenses.

A Complete Breakdown of Work Visa Sponsorship Costs in the U.S. 

Sponsoring a foreign worker for a U.S. work visa involves a range of fees that depend on the visa type and specific employer factors. These costs vary significantly between nonimmigrant visas, which are temporary, and immigrant visas, which allow permanent residency in the U.S.

Let’s walk through the key costs involved in both categories.

Nonimmigrant Visa Costs

Nonimmigrant work visas are designed for temporary employment in the U.S. and typically require employers to cover several fees during the sponsorship process. These costs can add up depending on company size, visa category, and processing preferences.

I-129 Petition Filing Fee

Employers generally start the process by filing Form I-129 (Petition to employ a nonimmigrant worker temporarily) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form initiates the visa request. For example, H-1B visa petitions come with filing fees ranging from $460 to $780, depending on processing method and form version.

Asylum Program Fee

As of April 2024, USCIS introduced an asylum program fee to help support broader agency functions. This fee applies when submitting Form I-129 and ranges from $300 to $600, based on the number of employees. Nonprofit organizations are exempt.

Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee

For certain visa types like H-1B, employers must pay an additional $500 fee to help USCIS investigate and reduce fraud across the system.

Public Law 114-113 Fee

Under federal law, companies with over 50 employees, of whom more than half hold H-1B or L-1 visas, may need to pay an extra $4,500 fee. This applies only to specific large employers using high volumes of foreign labor.

ACWIA Training Fee

Under the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA), H-1B employers are required to contribute a training fee ranging from $750 to $1,500, depending on company size. The fee helps fund U.S. workforce training programs.

Visa Application Fee

This fee covers the visa stamping process at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. It typically ranges from $205 to $315 and is usually paid by the employee.

Note: This fee is only required if the applicant is outside of the U.S. or needs to travel.

Premium Processing Fee

Employers seeking faster processing may opt for USCIS’s premium processing service, which guarantees a decision within 15 business days. The expedited service costs between $2,805.
Note: Not all visa categories are eligible.

Additional Fees

Other charges, such as biometrics fees, visa extensions, or consular processing costs, may apply depending on the case.

Immigrant Visa Costs

Immigrant visas offer a pathway to permanent residence in the U.S. and come with a separate set of costs. These are typically higher due to the more extensive process and legal requirements.

Labor Certification (PERM)

For many employment-based green card categories, employers must complete a PERM labor certification to show that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. There’s no official government fee for the certification itself, but employers must cover costs related to recruitment ads, wage assessments, legal representation, and potential audits. Total PERM-related costs often range from $2,500 to $5,000, and sometimes more.

Form I-140 & Asylum Program Fee

Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. The standard filing fee is $715, and the asylum program fee may also apply ($300 to $600, based on the number of employees).

Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)

If the foreign employee is already in the U.S., they may file Form I-485 to adjust their status to permanent resident. The fee for this step, including biometric services, is $1,440 for most applicants There are many categories of applicants for whom the fee may be waived. Also, cost is $950 if under 14 years of age and submitting Form I-485 concurrently with the Form I-485 of one parent.

USCIS Immigrant Fee

An additional $235 USCIS immigrant fee is required for individuals receiving their green card via consular processing abroad. This fee supports the production and delivery of the physical green card.

Consular Processing

The DS-260 is the online application form for individuals applying for an immigrant visa from outside the U.S. The processing fee for Form DS-260 is $325. Additionally, there is a $120 fee for processing the Affidavit of Support. After the immigrant visa is approved, applicants must also pay a $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee to have the physical green card mailed to them.

Premium Processing (Optional)

Employers can speed up the I-140 review with premium processing, also priced at $2,805, where eligible.

Common Work Visas and their Fees Based on Visa Types

The U.S. work visas require clarity on visa categories, sponsorship obligations, and key cost components. Below is a streamlined overview of common visa pathways and their fee requirements.

1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

The H-1B visa is intended for professionals working in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent). These fields often include IT, finance, engineering, and architecture. The visa is valid for an initial three years and may be extended for another three years. Common fees include:

2. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transferees)

L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees to their U.S. office temporarily. These employees may be executives, managers, or professionals with specialized expertise. Initial stays are typically granted for one year, with possible extensions up to a total of seven years. Associated costs include:

3. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

Purpose: The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, athletics, or business.

Typical Costs:

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4. TN Visa (NAFTA/USMCA Professionals – Canada & Mexico)

Purpose: Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals can engage in professional business activities in the U.S. The TN fee is around $510 to $1015. 

Typical Costs:

Also Read: Comparing H-1B and TN Visas for Canadian Professionals

5. EB-2/EB-3 Visas (Employment-Based Immigrant Visas)

The EB-2 and EB-3 visas are permanent residence visas—commonly known as employment-based green cards. They enable foreign workers to live and work permanently in the U.S.

• EB-2 is designed for advanced degree professionals, those whose job requires an advanced degree (or the equivalent, such as a bachelor’s degree plus five years of progressive experience), or individuals with exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business, who can demonstrate that their work will benefit the national interest.
• EB-3 targets skilled workers (minimum two years of experience), professionals for jobs requiring a bachelor's degree, and unskilled workers taking up non-temporary, non-seasonal roles.

These visas require a job offer and a labor certification (PERM). Related costs include:

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Also Read: EB-2 NIW: A Streamlined Guide to the National Interest Waiver Green Card

Disclaimer: The fees provided are estimates and subject to change. Additional fees may apply based on the specific circumstances of the petition. Always refer to the official USCIS website and form instructions for the most current and accurate fee information before filing.

Employer Responsibilities and Financial Obligations

Sponsoring a foreign national for a U.S. work visa comes with specific responsibilities and financial obligations for the employer. In most cases, the sponsoring company, not the employee, is expected to bear the bulk of the associated costs.

Employers are generally responsible for key fees such as the petition filing fee, standard application charges, the ACWIA (American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act) fee, and the fraud prevention and detection fee. The ACWIA fee amount varies based on the size of the organization.

In addition to these mandatory charges, employers may also need to cover optional or situational costs. These can include expedited premium processing fees, the Public Law 114-113 fee (applicable to certain H-1B cases), expenses related to the PERM labor certification process, and other fees under the Immigration and Nationality Act, such as biometric services.

Typically, these expenses cannot be passed on to the employee. However, legal fees may be paid in full by the employer or split between both parties, as long as there is a mutual agreement in place.

Note: Some employers include clawback provisions in their employment contracts. These provisions allow the employer to recover costs related to visa processing, such as legal or filing fees, if the employee resigns, is terminated, or does not begin the job as agreed.

Potential Additional Costs

Aside from official government and legal fees, employers may also encounter other significant expenses during the sponsorship process, depending on the employee’s country of origin and specific relocation needs.

1. Relocation expenses can be a major consideration. These may include airfare for the employee and their family, transportation arrangements, and costs related to shipping or storing personal belongings during the move.
2. Housing and resettlement costs may also arise once the worker arrives in the U.S. Employers might need to assist with short-term accommodation before the employee transitions to permanent housing. In some cases, companies may also offer cultural orientation or resettlement support to help the new hire and their family adjust to their new environment.
3. Return transportation may be an additional obligation. If the employee is terminated before the end of the petition period, the employer could be responsible for covering the cost of return travel to the employee’s home country, as required under certain visa conditions.

How can Alma Help with Visas?

Understanding complex fees and procedures is essential for U.S. immigration. At Alma, we provide the expertise you need for a smooth, efficient experience. We focus on minimizing complications and maximizing your chances of success.

Here's how Alma delivers on your visa goals:

• Fast Document Preparation: We're committed to swift document processing, aiming for readiness in 2 weeks. This helps you to adhere to deadlines and prevents unnecessary hold-ups.
• Dedicated Legal Support: Our skilled immigration attorneys work closely with you, providing detailed advice and support at every step.

Ready to streamline your visa journey with confidence? Connect with our expert legal advisors for a detailed analysis!

Conclusion

In conclusion, sponsoring a work visa is a strategic investment that goes beyond initial filing fees, encompassing compliance, potential legal support, and the complexities of USCIS requirements. Overlooking these costs can lead to budget overruns and process delays. 

At Alma, we aim to streamline this journey, offering employers a clear, efficient pathway through the complexities of visa sponsorship. With our expert guidance, you can confidently navigate the process, minimize unexpected expenses, and secure top international talent.

Schedule your free consultation today and discover how Alma makes global talent acquisition seamless.

FAQs

1. What are the most common types of work visas in the U.S.?

The most common work visas include H-1B for specialty occupations, L-1 for intra-company transferees, O-1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and TN for Canadian and Mexican nationals under NAFTA.

2. How much does it cost to sponsor a work visa in the U.S.?

Costs vary by visa type but can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, including government filing fees, legal fees, and other mandatory expenses.

3. What are the mandatory fees for sponsoring a work visa?

Mandatory fees include USCIS filing fees for forms like I-129 and I-140, Department of State processing fees, and required contributions like the ACWIA and Fraud Prevention fees.

4. Are there any additional costs employers should know when sponsoring a visa?

Yes, employers might face additional costs for legal representation, compliance requirements, and potential RFEs, which may require further documentation and legal work.

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