Do I have to pay the $100,000 supplemental fee for a renewal?

No. The high-impact $100,000 fee innovate in late 2026 generally targets spick-and-span H-1B petitions for workers presently outside the U.S. Standardized domestic renewals/run are nonexempt.

How much is the EAD (Form I-765) renewal fee in 2026?

The renewal fee for most Business Official document Representation is $280 in 2026, though some accumulation may be duty-free if filed with a unfinished Green Card usage (I-485).

Can the employee pay the H-1B renewal fees?

Generally, no. By law, the leader must pay the base fee, the ACWIA fee, and the Asylum fee. The employer may only pay the Premium Processing fee if the request is for their own personal convenience (and even then, it is legally sensitive)

USA Employment Visa Renewal Fees Explained 2026

Navigating the U.S. Migration system feels like shot at a moving target, especially with the 2026 USCIS deflation adjustments now in full swing. If you are an employer or a nonimmigrant worker, the damage of “Edict put” has changed.

The 2026 Fee Schedule: What’s New?

Effective January 1, 2026, USCIS unenforced an annual explosion indexing performance. This effectuation fees are no longer static; they adjust meagerly every year to keep up with body reimbursement.

The “Asylum Program Fee” Surcharge

Introduced to fund the asylum backlogs, this fee is now a permanent fixture for 2026 employment-based petitions.

Large Employers: $600 per renewal.
Small Employers (≤25 staff): $300 per renewal.
Nonprofits: Exempt ($0).

Premium Processing The March 2026 Price Jump

If you can’t afford to wait 6+ months for a renewal, Premium Processing (Form I-907) is your only out. However, as of March 1, 2026, the price for speed has officially increased.

New Fee (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN): $2,965 (Up from $2,805).
New Fee (H-2B, R-1): $1,780.
New Fee (EAD/I-765 for OPT): $1,780.

Visa-Specific Costs & Supplemental Fees

Renewing a visa involves less than just the base kind. Depending on your position, you may trigger these additional 2026 costs:

H-1B Specifics

ACWIA Fee: $750 (for companies with 1-25 employees) or $1,500 (26+ employees). This is required for the first extension with the same employer.
Fraud Prevention Fee: $500 (required for the first extension with a new employer).

The “50/50 Rule” (Public Law 114-113)

If your company has more than 50 employees and over 50% are on H-1B or L-1 status, you must pay a massive supplemental fee:

H-1B: $4,000
L-1: $4,500

E-A-T Compliance Expert Tips for 2026 Renewals

To ensure your renewal isn’t rejected (losing you both time and money), follow these expert-backed steps:

Verify the G-1055 Schedule: Always check the Official USCIS Fee Schedule the morning you mail your package. With annual inflation adjustments, a price could change by $5 overnight.
Separate Checks: Use separate checks for each fee (Base fee, Asylum fee, Premium processing). If one fee is wrong and you used a single check, the entire application is rejected.
Prove “Small Employer” Status: If you are paying the reduced $460 rate, include your most recent IRS Form 941 to prove you have 25 or fewer employees.

FAQ

Do I have to pay the $100,000 supplemental fee for a renewal?

No. The high-impact $100,000 fee innovate in late 2026 generally targets spick-and-span H-1B petitions for workers presently outside the U.S. Standardized domestic renewals/run are nonexempt.
How much is the EAD (Form I-765) renewal fee in 2026?

The renewal fee for most Business Official document Representation is $280 in 2026, though some accumulation may be duty-free if filed with a unfinished Green Card usage (I-485).
Can the employee pay the H-1B renewal fees?

Generally, no. By law, the leader must pay the base fee, the ACWIA fee, and the Asylum fee. The employer may only pay the Premium Processing fee if the request is for their own personal convenience (and even then, it is legally sensitive)

Final Thoughts

Staying ahead of the 2026 visa fee increases is about more than saving money—it’s about protecting your legal status in the USA. Whether you’re a startup founder or a Fortune 500 HR manager, precision in your filing fees is the first step to a successful renewal.

Disclamier

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney.