H1B Total Cost Calculator
Select your employer size and options. All 2026 USCIS H1B fees are pre-loaded.
Optional Fees
H1B Fee Breakdown
| Fee Item | Per Petition | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Total | ||
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H1B Visa Cost Breakdown 2026
The H1B visa is the most common work visa for specialty occupation workers in the US. Multiple mandatory fees apply, and employers are legally required to pay most of them. Here is the complete fee breakdown for 2026.
| Fee | Small Employer (1–25) | Large Employer (26+) |
|---|---|---|
| I-129 Base Filing Fee | $730 | $730 |
| ACWIA Training Fee | $750 | $1,500 |
| Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee | $500 | $500 |
| H1B Registration Fee (new/cap-subject) | $215 | $215 |
| Subtotal (mandatory, new petition) | $2,195 | $2,945 |
| Premium Processing (optional) | +$2,805 | +$2,805 |
| Total with Premium Processing | $5,000 | $5,750 |
Who Pays Each Fee?
- Employer must pay: I-129 base fee, ACWIA Training Fee, Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee, H1B Registration Fee.
- Employer or employee may pay: Premium Processing (I-907). Some employers cover this; others leave it to the employee.
- Employee typically pays: Personal attorney fees (if represented separately), DS-160 visa stamp fee at consulate (~$185), and any associated travel costs.
H1B Timeline 2026
- March: H1B registration window opens. Employer registers each candidate ($215). USCIS conducts lottery if registrations exceed the cap (65,000 regular + 20,000 master's).
- April: Selected registrants are notified. Employer has 90 days to file the full I-129 petition.
- April–June: File I-129 with all supporting documents and fees. Start date is October 1.
- October 1: H1B workers may begin employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an H1B cost in 2026?
For a large employer filing a new H1B petition without premium processing: $2,945. With premium processing: $5,750. Small employers save $750 on the ACWIA Training Fee, bringing totals to $2,195 and $5,000 respectively.
Can an employer make the employee pay H1B fees?
No. Under DOL regulations, requiring employees to pay the I-129 base fee, ACWIA Training Fee, or Fraud Prevention Fee is a violation. Doing so can trigger debarment from future H1B filings and back-wage liability.
Is premium processing worth it?
For most cases, yes. Standard H1B processing takes 3–6 months. Premium processing guarantees action in 15 business days. For an employee who needs to start by a specific date, the $2,805 is usually worthwhile.
What is the ACWIA Training Fee?
The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Training Fee funds job training programs for US workers. Small employers (1–25 FTE) pay $750; large employers (26+ FTE) pay $1,500 per petition.