Breaking Down the Costs of H-1B Visa Extension with the Same Employer

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Key Takeaways

• As of April 1, 2024, USCIS H-1B filing fees are $780 for large employers and $460 for small employers.
• The mandatory $600 Asylum Program Fee applies to most H-1B extensions, while premium processing costs $2,805 starting in 2025.
• ACWIA fees ($750–$1,500) apply to first extensions only, and fraud prevention fees ($500) are waived for extensions.

When extending an H-1B visa with the same employer, understanding the costs involved is critical. The costs vary based on employer size, previous extensions, and choices like expedited processing. Below is a detailed breakdown to help employers and employees navigate these fees more effectively.

USCIS Filing Fees

Breaking Down the Costs of H-1B Visa Extension with the Same Employer

Every H-1B visa extension requires a filing fee payable to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Starting April 1, 2024, these fees are:

$780 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees
$460 for employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees
Non-profit organizations: $460

These are mandatory fees that must be paid by the employer. They form the base of the application cost, irrespective of any other factors. For employers, budgeting for this fee is unavoidable, as nonpayment will result in an incomplete application.

ACWIA Fee for Workforce Training

Introduced as part of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA), this fee supports workforce training initiatives. However, the fee structure differs for H-1B extensions depending on prior petitions with the same employer:

The ACWIA fee is required for the first H-1B visa extension.
It is waived for the second or subsequent extensions under the same employer.

The applicable fee amounts are:

$750 for employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees
$1,500 for employers with more than 25 full-time employees

Understanding whether this fee applies is crucial. For a straightforward extension beyond the first one, the absence of the ACWIA fee could represent significant savings.

Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee

This $500 fee, commonly paid during an initial H-1B petition, is not required for extensions filed with the same employer. This exclusion helps reduce the financial burden during subsequent filings, leaving employers to focus on the base filing fees and other relevant costs.

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Detailed Cost Breakdown

Fee Type	Cost	Applies To
USCIS Filing Fee	$460 – $780	All employers
ACWIA Fee	$750 – $1,500	First extensions only
Asylum Program Fee	$300 – $600	Most extensions
Premium Processing	$2,805	Optional
Fraud Prevention Fee	$500	Waived for extensions

Public Law 114-113 Fee

Applicable only to large employers classified as H-1B or L-1 dependent, this $4,000 fee is reserved for companies that employ over 50 workers, where more than 50% hold H-1B or L-1 status. However, in cases of extensions with the same employer, this fee is not commonly required. Its limited application to such extensions ensures it impacts only a specific subset of employers.

Newly Introduced Asylum Program Fee

The 2024 fee structure introduces a new Asylum Program Fee, applicable to most H-1B extension filings. This fee supports asylum-related services and has the following breakdown:

$600 for larger employers
$300 for employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees
Non-profit organizations: Exempt

It’s critical to note that this fee applies regardless of whether the extension involves the same employer or not, making it a consistent addition in the 2024 cost structure. As this is a relatively new requirement, employers and employees should double-check to ensure compliance.

Premium Processing (Optional)

Premium processing, while optional, can expedite the processing time for H-1B visa extension applications. The premium processing fee is $2,805 as of 2025. Key details include:

USCIS guarantees case processing within 15 calendar days of receiving the premium processing request.
If the timeline is not met, USCIS refunds the premium processing fee and continues to expedite processing.
This fee can be paid either by the sponsoring employer or the employee, depending on their mutual agreement.

While significantly increasing overall costs, premium processing can be invaluable for those with time-sensitive needs, such as employment continuity or travel plans.

Specific Employer Charges

In addition to federal fees, certain employers—often universities or institutions—might have internal charges associated with H-1B visa management. For instance:

Penn State University charges a $757 internal processing fee to cover administrative costs.

These fees vary widely across organizations, and employees working for such institutions should discuss and confirm any internal requirements upfront.

Processing Time Considerations

Processing time plays an essential role in cost considerations. Under regular processing, USCIS approvals may take 4 to 6 months, whereas premium processing reduces this time to just 15 calendar days. Here’s a brief overview:

Regular processing is included in the base filing fee but is subject to longer wait times.
Premium processing accelerates timelines but imposes a significant additional cost.

Employers should plan early for regular processing to avoid premium fees unless a faster resolution is absolutely necessary.

Updated Costs: Key Changes Post-April 2024

With fee adjustments coming into effect as of April 1, 2024, several changes have reshaped the financial landscape for H-1B extensions:

The filing fee for Form I-129 increased from $460 to $780 for employers with more than 25 employees.
The Asylum Program Fee was introduced as an additional cost category.
Premium processing fees have climbed to $2,805.

These changes have sharply increased the expenses associated with H-1B visa extensions, particularly for employers managing multiple applications or opting for expedited services.

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

The following example illustrates the cost range for extending an H-1B visa with the same employer:

Minimum Scenario

Employer Size: 25 or fewer employees
Type: Second or subsequent extension (no ACWIA fee)
Optional Costs: No premium processing
Total: $760
($460 USCIS filing fee + $300 Asylum Program Fee)

Maximum Scenario

Employer Size: More than 25 employees
Type: First extension (with ACWIA fee)
Optional Costs: Includes premium processing
Total: $3,685
($780 USCIS filing fee + $1,500 ACWIA fee + $600 Asylum Program Fee + $2,805 premium processing)

Adding employer-specific costs, if applicable, would push total charges even higher.

Practical Impact of Cost Increases

Employee-Employer Discussions: Employers and employees need to decide on cost-sharing for elective services like premium processing. Open discussions can prevent misunderstandings and maintain goodwill.
Budgeting for Employers: With the introduction of new fees and increased costs, companies should allocate sufficient resources for visa-related expenses, especially if they rely heavily on H-1B workers.
Advance Planning: Employers should avoid last-minute processing by strategizing well in advance. For non-urgent cases, using regular processing can save significant costs.
Legal Compliance: Ensuring correct fee payments for an employer’s specific scenario (based on size, nonprofit status, or previous filings) is essential. Errors in payment can lead to delays or denials.

Final Thoughts

The cost of extending an H-1B visa with the same employer has seen substantial changes, particularly due to recent fee hikes and the introduction of the Asylum Program Fee. At a minimum, employers will face costs starting at $760, while the upper range can exceed $3,600. Optional charges, like premium processing, add flexibility but come with high costs.

Employers, especially those relying heavily on H-1B talent, must plan and budget carefully for these expenses. Staying informed about fee changes is equally important. Individuals and employers may consult official sources like the USCIS website (USCIS H-1B Program) for the latest updates.

Adding clarity to roles—such as who pays for optional fees—can also help both parties manage expectations. VisaVerge.com highlights the significance of such transparency in fostering more harmonious immigration-related employer-employee interactions.

Given these complexities, remaining proactive and well-informed is crucial for a smooth H-1B visa extension process.

Learn Today

H-1B Visa → A non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
ACWIA Fee → A workforce training fee under the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act, required for initial H-1B extensions.
USCIS Filing Fee → Mandatory fees paid to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for processing H-1B visa applications or extensions.
Premium Processing → An optional service expediting visa processing to 15 calendar days for an additional fee.
Asylum Program Fee → A newly introduced fee supporting asylum services, applicable to most H-1B visa extension filings starting in 2024.

This Article in a Nutshell

Navigating H-1B visa extension costs is vital post-April 2024. Employers face increased fees, including a $780 USCIS filing fee and a new $600 Asylum Program Fee. Premium processing, at $2,805, adds speed but spikes costs. Budgeting, compliance, and proactive planning ensure smoother extensions, minimizing delays. Stay informed—fees reveal critical considerations.
— By VisaVerge.com