Switching jobs as an H-1B or L-1 professional in 2026 is no longer just a career move—it is a significant financial undertaking. With the March 1 Premium Processing hike and new Asylum Program Fees, the total cost of a “Change of Employer” petition has reached record highs.
If you are an employer looking to onboard top talent or an employee planning your next move, understanding the 2026 fee structure is critical. This guide breaks down every dollar, from mandatory employer-paid fees to the high-stakes $100,000 “Consular Surcharge” trap.
2026 Mandatory Transfer Filing Fees (NLP Entities)
When an employer files Form I-129 for a change of employer in 2026, there are different government fees. These fees depend on the size of the company. The fees have been updated because of inflation adjustments that happen every two years.
Here are the main fees for most companies (called large employers) with 26 or more employees:
- Base Filing Fee: $780
- Asylum Program Fee: $600
- Fraud Prevention Fee: $500
- ACWIA Training Fee: $1,500
Total Standard Cost: $3,380
For small employers (25 or fewer full-time employees) or nonprofits, the fees are lower:
- Base Filing Fee: $460 (reduced for small employers)
- Asylum Program Fee: $300 (half price for small employers; $0 for nonprofits)
- Fraud Prevention Fee: $500
- ACWIA Training Fee: $750
- Total Standard Cost: Around $2,010 (or less for nonprofits)
- The Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee of $500 is always needed for change of employer petitions. It is not needed for simple extensions with the same company. A transfer always makes this fee apply.
- There is also a Public Law 114-113 Fee of $4,000. This extra fee applies if the new company has 50 or more employees in the US and more than 50% of them are on H-1B or L-1 status. This is called an “H-1B heavy” company. It is an important surcharge to check before filing.
These fees are mandatory and the employer must pay most of them. This makes changing jobs more expensive in 2026.
The March 1 Premium Processing “Cliff”
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the increase in the premium processing fee. USCIS adjusts these fees every two years to match inflation. This helps them process cases faster and cover costs.
Effective March 1, 2026: The premium processing fee for Form I-129 (used for H-1B, L-1, O-1) goes up from $2,805 to $2,965.
This fee gives a guarantee. USCIS promises to give a response (approval, request for evidence, or denial) within 15 business days. It is very helpful when you need a quick decision for work or travel.
If you send the premium processing request (Form I-907) with a postmark on or after March 1, 2026, you must pay the new $2,965 fee. If you pay the old amount, USCIS will reject it and send back the money.
Many people plan transfers around this date. If your filing is close to March 1, check the postmark carefully to avoid problems. Premium processing can add a lot to the total cost, but it saves time.
Portability & Compliance
It is very important to understand the H-1B portability rules for a smooth job switch in 2026. USCIS checks status more carefully now.
- H-1B Portability: You can start working for the new employer right away. This happens as soon as the transfer petition is filed and you get the receipt notice. You do not have to wait for full approval.
- The 60-Day Grace Period: After you leave your old job, you have up to 60 days to file a new transfer petition. But in practice, the safe time is much shorter. Sometimes automated systems see the old employer’s withdrawal as an instant end to status. This can cause issues. Experts say act fast, in 0–10 days if possible.
- Bridge Petition: If you file a transfer with Employer B while a transfer with Employer A is still pending, you create a “bridge.” If the first one gets denied, the second one often fails too.
- LCA (Labor Condition Application): The new employer must get a certified LCA from the Department of Labor first. This takes about 7–10 days in 2026. Plan ahead so there are no delays.
These rules help protect your status, but mistakes can make things hard.
High-Stakes 2026 Surcharges: The $100,000 Trap
In 2026, there is a big new surcharge called the $100,000 H-1B Consular Surcharge. It started from a proclamation in September 2025. It mainly affects new visas for people outside the US.
But it can affect domestic transfers too. This happens if the petition asks for consular notification instead of change of status. If the worker is out of status (even by a few days) when filing, USCIS may approve the H-1B but say the person must leave the US and get a visa at a consulate. This “consular trigger” can force the $100,000 payment.
To avoid this big cost, make sure the transfer is filed while the worker is in valid status or within the 60-day grace period. Keep your status clean and file early.
Strategy Tip for 2026 Transfers: Total fees can go over $7,000 with premium processing. Many employers hit credit card limits. Use Form G-1450 to split payments across multiple cards. This stops a rejection if one card declines.
Take the Next Step
The fee rules in 2026 make job changes more costly and complex. Plan carefully to avoid surprises. Do not wait until the March 1 premium hike.
Do you want a simple “2026 H-1B Transfer Cost Checklist” for your HR team? Or a “Step-by-Step Portability Guide” for employees? Let me know!
Disclaimer: This article is only for information and learning. Always check the latest details on USCIS.gov or talk to a good immigration lawyer before you make decisions about jobs or immigration. Rules can change, so use trusted sources.