How Much Does a Work Visa in the United States Really Cost?

"As of October 2025, the cost of obtaining a U.S. work visa varies significantly depending on the specific visa category. Here's an overview of the most common work visas and their associated fees:

???? H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

New Petitions (Filed on or after September 21, 2025):

Employer Fee: $100,000

Additional Fees: Standard application fees apply, but the $100,000 fee is a new requirement for new petitions. 

USCIS

Renewals and Petitions Filed Before September 21, 2025:

Employer Fee: No $100,000 fee applies. 

USCIS

???? L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transferees)

Application Fee: $323

Additional Fees: Employers with 50 or more employees in the U.S., with more than 50% in H-1B or L-1 status, must pay an additional $4,500 fee. 

Wikipedia

???? O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)

Application Fee: $460

Premium Processing (Optional): $2,500

Additional Fees: Employers may be subject to additional fees depending on the specific circumstances.

???? General Notes

Premium Processing: For certain visa categories, applicants can opt for premium processing, which expedites the application process for an additional fee.

Visa Issuance Fees: Some applicants may be required to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality and the specific visa category.

Employer Responsibility: In most cases, employers are responsible for paying the application fees, but this can vary depending on the visa category and specific circumstances."