How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for an H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after work visas for skilled foreign professionals looking to work in the United States. The application process can be complex, requiring careful preparation, documentation, and strict adherence to U.S. immigration laws. Many employers and applicants choose to use an immigration attorney to maximize their chances of success and avoid costly mistakes. But how much does a lawyer actually charge for handling an H-1B visa application in 2025? Let’s break down the costs, what’s included, and what you should consider before hiring legal help.
Typical Attorney Fees for H-1B Visa Applications
Attorney fees for H-1B visa petitions are usually structured as a flat fee rather than hourly billing. This helps both the employer and the employee know the total legal cost upfront. As of 2025, the typical range for attorney fees is:
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Standard H-1B Cases: $1,500 to $4,000 for most straightforward cases.
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High-Volume or Simple Cases: Some firms, especially those handling many H-1B cases or working with large corporate clients, may charge as low as $500 to $2,500.
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Complex Cases: If the case involves unique circumstances, prior immigration violations, or the need for extensive documentation, fees can rise to $6,000 or more.
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Requests for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS issues an RFE, attorneys often charge an additional $2,000 to $4,500 to prepare and submit the response, depending on the complexity.
What’s Included in the Attorney Fee?
Most flat-fee arrangements for H-1B petitions include:
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Initial consultation and eligibility assessment
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Preparation and filing of the H-1B petition (Form I-129)
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Drafting and organizing supporting documentation
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Preparing employer support letters
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Responding to basic USCIS queries
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General guidance throughout the process
However, services such as responding to RFEs, consular processing, or appeals are often billed separately. Always confirm with your attorney exactly what is covered.
Sample Fees from Law Firms
To give you a sense of the market, here are some real-world examples of attorney fees for H-1B visa cases:
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Ajay K. Arora, Esq. (New York): Flat fee of $3,500 for H-1B work visa cases.
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FitzGerald Law Company: $6,000 for a standard H-1B visa petition.
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Jang, Mirkovich & Lee: $3,000 for H-1B cases.
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VisaNation Law Group: $300 for initial registration, $2,600 if selected in the lottery, and $500–$1,600 for RFE responses.
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UpCounsel: Reports an average of $2,500, with a range from $500 to $2,500+ depending on the complexity and the attorney’s experience.
These examples show the range you might encounter, but your fee may differ based on your specific situation and the law firm’s policies.
Who Pays the Attorney Fees?
By law, the employer is responsible for paying all required H-1B filing and legal fees, except for the optional premium processing fee, which the employee may pay if they choose to expedite the process. The U.S. Department of Labor and USCIS have strict rules to prevent employers from passing mandatory costs onto employees. However, some employers may ask the employee to cover the premium processing fee (currently $2,805), which is allowed if it’s for the employee’s benefit.
Additional Costs Beyond Attorney Fees
Attorney fees are just one part of the total cost of an H-1B petition. Several government filing fees apply, and these can add up quickly:
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Registration Fee: $215 per beneficiary (for the annual H-1B lottery)
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Basic Filing Fee (Form I-129): $780 for most employers; $460 for small employers and nonprofits
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ACWIA Fee: $750 for employers with 1–25 employees, $1,500 for those with 26 or more
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USCIS Anti-Fraud Fee: $500 (for initial petitions and changes of employer)
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Public Law 114-113 Fee: $4,000 (for certain employers with a high percentage of H-1B/L-1 workers)
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Asylum Program Fee: $600 (lower for small employers/nonprofits)
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Visa Application Fee (if consular processing): $190–$205
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Premium Processing Fee (optional): $2,805
Employers should budget for both the legal and government fees when planning to sponsor an H-1B worker.
What Factors Affect Attorney Fees?
Several factors can influence how much a lawyer charges for an H-1B visa:
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Complexity of the Case: Cases involving prior immigration issues, changes of status, or unusual job requirements may require more work and higher fees.
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Volume Discounts: Large employers or those filing many petitions at once may negotiate lower fees.
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Location and Reputation: Attorneys in major cities or with specialized expertise may charge more.
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Level of Service: Full-service firms that handle every aspect of the case, including RFEs and consular processing, may charge more than firms offering only basic petition preparation.
Summary Table: Typical H-1B Attorney Fee Ranges
| Law Firm / Source | Typical Attorney Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Ajay K. Arora, Esq. | $3,500 |
| FitzGerald Law Company | $6,000 |
| Jang, Mirkovich & Lee | $3,000 |
| VisaNation Law Group | $2,600 (plus $300 reg.) |
| UpCounsel (average) | $2,500 |
| General Range (most cases) | $1,500–$4,000 |
Key Takeaways
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Attorney fees for H-1B visas typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 for standard cases, with higher fees for complex cases or full-service firms.
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Employers are required to pay most legal and filing fees for H-1B petitions; only the optional premium processing fee may be paid by the employee.
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Government filing fees are substantial and should be included in the total budget for an H-1B petition.
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Always confirm the fee structure, what is included, and any potential extra charges with your attorney before proceeding.
By understanding the typical fee ranges and what’s included, both employers and employees can better plan for the H-1B visa process and avoid unexpected costs, ensuring a smoother path to successful sponsorship.