H-1B Visa Fee Hike 2025: What It Means for Applicants & Companies
The H-1B visa — often seen as the golden ticket to work in the US — has once again made headlines. Reports about a “$100,000 H-1B fee” sparked heated debates online, leaving many confused about the real costs of applying for this highly sought-after visa.
So, let’s clear the air: while it’s true that H-1B visa fees have been revised, the cost isn’t $100,000 for every applicant. Instead, it’s a layered fee structure that depends on the employer, company size, and additional surcharges. Let’s break it down.
Why Did H-1B Visa Fees Go Up?
The US government revises immigration fees periodically to:
Cover the rising cost of application processing
Fund additional workforce for USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
Support border enforcement and legal aid for asylum cases
In 2025, the revision was significant because the demand for H-1B visas continues to outpace availability. With only 85,000 visas allotted each year, the US aims to ensure employers who benefit most from this program shoulder more of the cost.
H2: Actual Breakdown of H-1B Visa Fees
Here’s what employers and applicants typically face in 2025 (approximate figures):
Base Filing Fee: $460
American Competitiveness & Workforce Improvement Act Fee (ACWIA): $750 (companies with <25 employees) or $1,500 (companies with >25 employees)
Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee: $500
Public Law 114-113 Fee (for large companies with 50+ employees, of which 50% are H-1B or L-1): $4,000
Attorney Fees (if applicable): $2,000–$6,000
Premium Processing (optional): $2,805
👉 For big tech companies filing thousands of applications, the total can easily climb into the millions, leading to the “$100,000 per H-1B” headline in some cases. But for an individual applicant, the average cost borne by the employer usually falls in the $5,000–$15,000 range.
Who Pays These Fees – Employer or Employee?
In most cases, employers bear the majority of H-1B visa costs, especially the filing and government-mandated fees. However, some companies may pass on attorney or premium processing costs to the employee, depending on internal policies.
Impact on Indian IT Professionals
India remains the largest source of H-1B applications. With companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and Accenture filing thousands of petitions, the new fee structure directly affects them.
Large Indian IT firms may face multimillion-dollar added expenses.
Startups and mid-sized companies might struggle to afford multiple applications.
For applicants, this could mean fewer filings per candidate and higher competition.
Does This Mean Fewer H-1B Approvals?
Not exactly. The lottery system still decides who gets selected. However, with costs rising, companies may become more selective about which employees they sponsor, making the process even more competitive.
FAQs
Q1: Did the H-1B visa fee really rise to $100,000?
A1: No. The $100,000 figure reflects the cumulative cost for large corporations filing multiple applications. For individuals, fees typically range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Q2: How much is the H-1B base filing fee in 2025?
A2: The base filing fee is $460, unchanged, but additional surcharges make the total higher.
Q3: Who pays the H-1B visa fees?
A3: Employers usually cover most fees. Some optional costs like premium processing may be passed to employees.
Q4: Will this affect Indian applicants?
A4: Yes. Since Indian IT firms sponsor thousands of H-1Bs, higher fees mean fewer applications per candidate.
Q5: Does this fee hike reduce my chances of selection?
A5: The lottery system is unchanged, so selection odds remain similar, but fewer companies might file multiple applications for one person.