H-1B Visa Fees: Before vs. Now
Previous Costs (Pre-2025):
- Base Filing Fee: $460
- ACWIA Training Fee: $1,500 (for larger employers)
- Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee: $500
- Public Law 114-113 Fee: $4,000 (for large H-1B users)
- Premium Processing (optional): $2,500
- Legal Fees (optional): $1,000–$3,000
Estimated Total:
- Small companies: $4,000–$6,000
- Large firms: $8,000–$10,000+
New Costs (Post-2025):
- Flat Fee: $100,000 per H-1B visa, per year
- Applies to all employers, regardless of size or industry
- Covers both new applications and renewals
This is roughly a 20- to 25-fold increase compared to what companies were paying before.
Why Indian Students Shouldn’t Panic
If you are currently studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, this increase does not affect your immediate work opportunities. The $100,000 fee applies only to H-1B petitions. As a student, you have other legal ways to work after graduation before needing to consider an H-1B.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training):
- All students get 12 months of work authorization after finishing their degree.
- STEM OPT Extension (for STEM graduates only):
- Students in STEM fields can extend this by an additional 24 months.
- Total = up to 3 years of work authorization without needing an H-1B.
- During this time, you can work legally in the U.S. without paying or worrying about the $100,000 H-1B fee.
Practical Options for Indian Students
1. Maximize OPT and STEM OPT
Use the full period of work authorization to gain U.S. experience, build your profile, and explore employers willing to sponsor.
2. Explore Further Studies or CPT
If needed, some students choose to extend their stay through another degree program or Day 1 CPT, which allows employment while enrolled.
3. Consider Alternatives to H-1B
- O-1 Visa: For students who build strong achievements (research, patents, projects, leadership roles).
- L-1 Visa: After working in an Indian office of a U.S. company, you can transfer back to the U.S. later.
- Green Card Sponsorship: Some employers may file directly in EB-2/EB-3 categories.
4. Keep Global Options Open
If H-1B sponsorship becomes too costly for employers, countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia have student-friendly immigration systems. Many Indian graduates transition there while working with U.S. companies remotely.
Special Guidance for Non-STEM Indian Students
If you are pursuing a non-STEM degree (for example, business, management, finance, or liberal arts), you do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That means:
- You only have 12 months of OPT after graduation.
- Your timeline to find a long-term solution is shorter.
Options for non-STEM graduates:
- Secure Employment Quickly: Begin job searches and internships early. Employers are more likely to hire OPT students who are proactive.
- Consider a STEM-Designated Master’s Program: Some business and finance programs are STEM-certified, which makes you eligible for STEM OPT even if your first degree was not.
- Switch to Other Visa Types: Explore J-1 (internship or training), O-1 (if you build a strong portfolio), or L-1 (via company transfer).
- Plan for Global Mobility: If U.S. sponsorship is unlikely, consider Canada’s Express Entry or Australia’s skilled migration programs, which are easier for younger graduates.
Final Thoughts
The $100,000 H-1B fee increase is a significant barrier for employers, and it will likely reduce sponsorship for entry-level or mid-level positions. However, for Indian students currently in the U.S., this change does not shut the door on opportunities.
- STEM graduates still have up to 3 years of work authorization before needing to worry about H-1B.
- Non-STEM graduates have 12 months of OPT but can extend their stay by planning smartly — through further studies, alternate visas, or global pathways.
The key is to plan early, use OPT wisely, and stay flexible. With the right approach, Indian students can still build a successful career in the U.S. despite the fee hike.