How much does an L 1 visa cost?

Understanding the Costs Associated with an L-1 Visa Application

An L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer their employees to their U.S. operations. Acquiring an L-1 visa requires filing Form I-129 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The process involves several costs, including:

Base Filing Fee:

The base filing fee for Form I-129 is typically around $1385. However, small entities, such as those with less than 100 employees, may qualify for a reduced fee. It is important to verify the current fee schedule on the USCIS website before submitting an application.

Anti-Fraud Fee:

In addition to the base fee, applicants may also incur an anti-fraud fee of $500. This fee is not always required, but it may apply to certain cases, such as when the applicant has a history of immigration violations or other related issues.

Other Potential Costs:

• Attorney Fees: If you choose to hire an immigration attorney to assist with your application, you may incur additional fees. Attorney fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the attorney.
• Translation Fees: If any documents submitted with the application are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. Translation fees can vary depending on the length and complexity of the documents.
• Premium Processing Fee: If you need your application to be processed more quickly, you can request premium processing for an additional fee of $2,500. This fee guarantees that the USCIS will adjudicate your application within 15 calendar days.

Budgeting Considerations:

Due to potential variations in costs, it is crucial to budget for additional expenses beyond the base filing fee. Consider the following factors when estimating the total cost of your L-1 visa application:

• Size of your company
• Immigration history of the applicant
• Language of the documents submitted
• Need for premium processing

By understanding the potential costs involved, you can adequately prepare financially for the L-1 visa application process and avoid any unexpected expenses.