Can the employee pay the $100,000 head of state fee?

The current USCIS guidance propose this is an employer-side obligation. However given the ongoing proceeding this may change. Consult with a qualified migration attorney before making any payments via Pay.gov.

What is the "Cap-Gap" extension?

If your F-1 OPT expires between April and September and you have a pending H-1B request you are granted a Cap-Gap delay allowing you to remain and work in the US until your H-1B starts on October first.

Is the $215 registration fee payment?

No Even if your candidate is not selected in the chance event the $215 fee is non-refundable. 18

Is the H-1B Dream Getting Too Expensive? Your 2026 Guide to Costs and Timelines

Navigating the US H-1B visa scenery has never been more complex or costly. As we enter the 2026 H-1B cap season (FY 2027), applicants and workers are lining up for a “perfect storm” of regulatory shifts. 1 From a massive jump in registration fees to a new wage-weighted lottery system and a controversial $100,000 “Presidential Fee” targeting overseas employees, the rules of the game have essentially changed.

Whether you are an international student on OPT or a US leader looking to secure top world natural ability this guide breaks down every dollar and deadline you need to know for 2026.

H-1B Visa Cost Breakdown 2026. What Employers and Workers Pay

The cost of an H-1B visa is not simply a simple flat fee. For the FY 2027 cycle, total costs can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 depending on the candidate’s location and the company’s size.

1. The Mandatory Filing Fees (Employer-Paid)

USCIS regulations purely require the employer to pay these fees.three Passing these costs to the employee can result in wicked legal penalties. 4

Fee Amount (Standard) Amount (Small/Non-Profit) Registration Fee: $215 Basic Filing Fee (I-129)$780$460Asylum System Fee$600$300ACWIA (Training) Fraud Prevention Fee: $500 $500 Total Required Base$3,595$2,225

2. The 2026 “Big Updates”: Premium Processing & The $100k Fee

The Premium Physical process Addition ($2,965): 5 Effective March 1, 2026, the fee for 15-day expedited processing has risen from $2,805 to $2,965 to account for explosion.
The Presidential $100,000 Fee: Under a recent proclamation, new H-1B petitions for workers currently outside the US must be accompanied by a $100,000 supplemental payment.7
Good News for Students: This fee is more often than not waived for F-1 students already in the US on OPT/CPT who are changing status.
Legal Status: This fee is presently being challenged in Union court (scheduled for February 2026) but employers are advised to plan for it if hiring from abroad.

3. Consular and Legal Costs

paidMRV Fee ($205): Paid by the employee for the visa interrogation at a US embassy.
The Legal/Attorney Fees: Atypically range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of RFEs (Requests for Evidence).

Also Read:USA Work Visa Health Insurance Cost 2026

H-1B Timeline 2026: Critical Deadlines for FY 2027

The Absent a deadline in the H-1B process is a “one-strike” mistake. Here is the roadmap for the FY 2027 Cap Season.

Registration (March 2026)

The March six– March 24, 2026. The Registration Window. Employers must submit the name and passport details of each candidate into the USCIS online entrance and pay the $215 fee.10
March 31, 2026. Accident Results.11 USCIS notifies selected recipient. This year uses the Beneficiary-Centric Selection, meaning each individual is entered once careless of how many employers register them.

Petition Filing (April–June 2026)

April 1, 2026: The earliest date to file the full Form I-129 request.
The 90-Day Window: Selected applicants must file their complete package (including the certified LCA) within 90 days of variety.

Adjudication and Start Date (July–October 2026)

Summer 2026 USCIS processes petitions. If you paid for Premium Physical process you will receive a response within 15 days.14
October 1, 2026: The official start of Fiscal Year 2027.15 This is the early date you can begin working in H-1B status.

New in 2026: Wage-Weighted Lottery Selection

A large shift for the FY 2027 cycle is the move toward wage-weighted selection. sixteen Or else of a pure random draw candidates offered higher pay (Level 3 or Level 4 wages) now receive multiple entries in the lottery lake importantly increasing their odds compared to entry-level (Level 1) applicants.

Expert Tip: If you are an international student, range roles that offer Level 2 reward or higher to maximize your selection amount under the new 2026 rules.

USA H-1B Visa Cost Breakdown & Timeline 2026 (FAQs)

Can the employee pay the $100,000 head of state fee?
The current USCIS guidance propose this is an employer-side obligation. However given the ongoing proceeding this may change. Consult with a qualified migration attorney before making any payments via Pay.gov.
What is the “Cap-Gap” extension?
If your F-1 OPT expires between April and September and you have a pending H-1B request you are granted a Cap-Gap delay allowing you to remain and work in the US until your H-1B starts on October first.
Is the $215 registration fee payment?
No Even if your candidate is not selected in the chance event the $215 fee is non-refundable. 18

Final Strategy for 2026

The 2026 H-1B season favors those who are already in the US and those with higher salary offers. Employers should.

Audit actual F-1 staff to avoid the $100k overseas fee.
The File LCA early to ensure the 90-day window isn’t missed.
The Plan for the March 1st Premium Processing walk if speed is essential.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. US migration laws and fees are subject to rapid change by executive order or court rulings.twenty Readers are strongly wise to verify all fee amounts and deadlines on the official USCIS website and consult with a licensed immigration attorney before making business enterprise or career judgment.