The cost to sponsor a foreign worker for a U.S. work visa can vary greatly depending on the type of visa being obtained, the size of the sponsoring organization, lawyer fees, and other factors. Generally speaking, sponsoring a worker for a temporary work visa tends to be less expensive than sponsoring an employee for permanent residence. However, even temporary work visas often incur fees in the thousands of dollars. Understanding the full costs requires a close look at each step of the visa application process.
Types of U.S. work visas
There are several different categories of U.S. work visas that enable foreign nationals to live and work in the United States either temporarily or permanently. Some of the main types of work visas and their typical costs include:
H-1B visa
The H-1B is a common temporary skilled worker visa valid for up to 6 years. Initial costs for an employer to sponsor an H-1B worker generally range from $2,500-$7,500+, including:
- $460 USCIS base filing fee
- $500 anti-fraud fee (for companies with 50+ employees)
- $1,500 – $5,000+ in legal fees for preparation and filing
- USCIS public law 114-113 fee of $4,000 (must be paid by sponsoring employer for initial H-1B petitions)
Beyond these baseline costs, additional expenses may apply if premium processing is required or if the applicant’s work location changes. Annual renewals for existing H-1B workers tend to cost around $2,000-$5,000.
L-1 visa
For intracompany transfers, the L-1 visa allows foreign employees of a global company to work temporarily in the U.S. The costs for an employer to obtain an L-1 visa can range from $5,000 to $15,000+, including:
- $460 USCIS base filing fee
- $500-$3,500+ legal fees
- $5,000-$10,000+ for new office L-1 petitions
Annual renewals for L-1 employees cost roughly $3,000-$8,000. Expedited processing fees may also apply.
H-2B temporary non-agricultural worker visa
For seasonal or temporary non-agricultural jobs, the H-2B visa allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years. Costs for H-2B sponsorship typically range from $1,500-$6,000+ per worker:
- $460 USCIS base filing fee
- $150-$500 in legal fees for preparation
- $1,500-$2,000 in recruiting fees
- $250-$500 for advertising
Sponsors must also pay round-trip transportation and subsistence costs for H-2B workers.
EB-2 or EB-3 green cards
For permanent employment in the U.S., the EB-2 and EB-3 visa categories allow foreign professionals and skilled workers to obtain green cards. The costs for an employer to sponsor a worker for an EB-2 or EB-3 green card can easily exceed $10,000, including:
- $700-$5,000 for legal and filing fees
- $1,500 for job advertisement
- Up to $7,500 for preparation of PERM labor certification
- $1,225 Adjustment of Status fee, if applicable
Cases that are particularly complex or require premium processing will incur higher legal fees. The total timeframe can also last 2+ years in some cases.
Factors that influence cost
When estimating the costs for a work visa, some key factors to consider include:
Type of visa
As the overview shows, the type of work visa makes a significant difference in cost. Short-term temporary visas like the H-2B are cheaper than longer-term temporary visas like the L-1. Permanent green card sponsorships are the most expensive overall.
Legal fees
Attorney fees have a major influence on the total expense of visa sponsorship. More complex cases naturally have higher legal costs. Filing fees and other hard costs are often fixed, so legal service fees make up a variable portion of the total.
Expedited handling
Most visa categories allow for requests for premium processing or other expedited handling for an additional fee. This significantly increases the total cost but can be necessary to acquire a visa within a short timeframe.
Employee headcount
Larger companies are subject to higher fees for certain visas. For example, any company with over 50 employees must pay an additional $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection fee for H-1B petitions.
New vs. renewing
Renewing an existing visa for another temporary period is almost always cheaper than obtaining a new visa. Legal and preparation fees are lower for renewal cases.
Employer finances
Wealthier employers tend to invest more in legal fees and internal resources to increase visa approval odds. Startups and smaller businesses often opt for more affordable legal services.
Cost breakdown by visa type
To visualize the typical costs associated with key work visa categories, here is an overview:
| Visa type | Typical costs |
|---|---|
| H-1B |
|
| L-1 |
|
| H-2B |
|
| EB-2 or EB-3 |
|
As shown, the cost escalates significantly for long-term visas and green cards compared to short-term temporary visas. But even temporary visas often incur thousands in legal, advertising, and administrative costs.
Cost saving tips
While work visa costs are largely fixed, there are some ways employers can aim to control and reduce expenses:
- Maintain organized paperwork and records for each sponsored employee to simplify renewals and extensions.
- Utilize an immigration attorney that specializes in employment-based visas to maximize efficiency.
- File visa petitions well in advance of start dates to avoid premium processing fees.
- Group submissions for multiple employees when possible to consolidate legal fees.
- Consider hiring an in-house immigration coordinator if sponsoring 10+ international employees.
- Pay close attention to prevailing wage requirements to avoid delays or audits.
- Establish clear accountabilities for tracking visa expiration dates.
Conclusion
The cost to sponsor an international worker for a U.S. work visa can range from around $2,500 up to $15,000+. Short term temporary visas tend to cost less than long-term visas or green cards. Key factors that influence the cost include the visa type, legal fees, expedited processing, company size, and more. While some expenses are fixed, strategic planning can help companies control costs. With the proper legal guidance and preparation, international worker visas remain a feasible option for many U.S. employers.