Visa Sponsorship Cost Estimator for Employers (2026)
Sponsoring a worker means paying government filing fees that depend on the visa, your company size and whether the worker is new to your company. This estimator uses USCIS's fee schedule (edition dated September 9, 2026) and Canada's LMIA fees to total the government costs, plus your legal fees.
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Estimate government fees to sponsor a worker
| H-1B registration (lottery), per worker | $215 |
| Form I-129 filing fee | $780 |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 |
| ACWIA training fee | $1,500 |
| Fraud Prevention and Detection fee | $500 |
| Legal fees (your estimate) | $3,500 |
| Total | $7,095 |
USCIS fees from the G-1055 fee schedule (edition 09/09/26); premium processing $2,965 since March 1, 2026. Canadian fees from ESDC and IRCC (checked September 22, 2026). Fees change; confirm before filing.
What an H-1B costs employers in 2026
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration (lottery) | $215 per worker |
| Form I-129 | $780 ($460 small employer or nonprofit) |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 ($300 small, $0 nonprofit) |
| ACWIA training fee | $1,500 (26+ employees) or $750 |
| Fraud Prevention and Detection | $500 (new employment) |
| Public Law 114-113 | $4,000 (if 50+ staff and over half on H-1B/L) |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,965 |
The $100,000 proclamation payment is not being collected as of September 2026 because a federal court vacated it. See H-1B $100k fee status.
Frequently asked questions
Can the worker pay the H-1B fees?
No. The ACWIA and fraud fees, and generally the costs of the petition, must be paid by the employer.
Can an employer recover the LMIA fee from the worker?
No. Canada prohibits employers from charging or recovering the LMIA fee from the worker.
Official sources
- USCIS: Fee schedule (G-1055)uscis.gov
- ESDC: Hire a temporary foreign workercanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.