The cost of an H1B visa can vary depending on a variety of factors, including attorney fees, the size of the sponsoring company, and whether the employer chooses to expedite the processing of the petition using Premium Processing. The basic costs set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are as follows:

For the Sponsoring Employer:

• Base Filing Fee: The standard H1B filing fee is $460 for the I-129 petition.
• American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Fee: Employers with 1 to 25 full-time equivalent employees pay $750, while employers with 26 or more full-time equivalent employees pay $1,500.
• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: A $500 fee is required for new H1B applications and for those changing employers.
• Public Law 114-113 Fee: Employers with more than 50 employees, with more than 50% of those employees on H1B or L-1 visas, must pay an additional $4,000 for H1B petitions.
• Optional Premium Processing Fee: Employers who wish to expedite the processing of their H1B petitions can pay an additional $2,500 for the USCIS Premium Processing Service, which guarantees a response within 15 calendar days.
• Immigrant Attorney Fees: Attorney fees can vary widely but are typically around $1,000 to $3,000 for H1B visa services. Some companies may have in-house immigration counsel and might not incur this cost.
• H1B Visa Issuance Fee: Based on reciprocity, the fee can vary by nationality for the visa to be issued at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. This is typically paid by the applicant.

For the Applicant:

• Visa Application Fee: Applicants may be required to pay a visa application fee, which is $190 for the H1B visa.
• Visa Issuance Fee: This fee varies by country and is based on reciprocity. It should be checked with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Medical Examination and Vaccination Fees: If required, these fees will vary by provider.
• Travel and Accommodation Fees: For attending the visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and for moving to the U.S. if the visa is granted.
• SEVIS Fee: This is not required for H1B visas but is relevant for those applying for an F or J visa for study or exchange programs.

It's important to note that the costs can change, and the USCIS may update fees; applicants and sponsors should check the latest fees on the USCIS official website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most current information. Moreover, according to U.S. law, the employer is required to pay the H1B visa petition fees, not the employee. This is to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers does not come at a lower cost than hiring U.S. workers.