H-1B Registration Fee Set to $215 as Startups Brace for Higher Sponsorship Costs

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that the next H-1B visa registration window will open on 4 March, introducing changes that place greater emphasis on applicants’ qualifications and salary levels.

Under the revised system, USCIS will continue to use a lottery but will incorporate a mechanism that favours candidates with higher academic credentials and stronger wage offers. This represents a shift from the previous approach, which relied entirely on random selection, and reflects an effort to prioritise highly skilled workers.

The registration period will run from 4 to 19 March. Employers must use a USCIS online account and pay a registration fee of $215 for each applicant. Selection results are expected to be announced by 31 March.

Indian nationals are the largest group of H-1B applicants, particularly in technology, engineering and healthcare roles. In the 2024 fiscal year, they accounted for more than 70 per cent of approved petitions, totalling over 280,000. Professionals with significant experience and higher salaries may benefit from the revised process, as pay levels are expected to influence selection outcomes.

Dinesh M., an immigration consultant based in Hyderabad, said the changes are designed to attract highly skilled workers. He noted that senior Indian technology professionals with competitive salaries could see improved chances of selection, while less experienced applicants may face greater difficulty.

Concerns have been raised about rising costs associated with the programme. A proposed filing fee of up to $10,000 for certain new H-1B petitions could increase the financial burden on employers, particularly smaller companies and start-ups. Analysts warn that higher costs may reduce the number of firms willing to sponsor overseas workers.

The revised selection criteria are also expected to disadvantage lower-paid roles. Graduates and applicants applying directly from India may find it harder to secure visas, as wage levels are likely to carry more weight than under the previous lottery-only system.

International students already in the United States on F-1 visas may be less affected. Employers often prefer candidates who are already in the country, as this can reduce administrative delays and costs. The proposed $10,000 fee would not apply to applicants changing status from an existing visa to H-1B, which may offer an advantage to those currently studying or working in the US.

USCIS has said the changes are intended to protect domestic wage standards and ensure fairness in the programme.