As of April 1, 2024, FY2025 H-1B filing fees increased and H-1B petitions became eligible for online filing. The new edition to the Form I-129 form is now also required. USCIS is offering a discount on filing fees for some online filings. According to the USCIS Fee Schedule [1], Forms I-129  and I-539 are eligible for a discount for online filing. However, the I-765 form used for H4 EAD (c)(26) category is not eligible for online filing and must be submitted to a USCIS Lockbox.

The paper filing fee for I-129 form has a base fee of $780. Plus, there are additional fees for employers with 25 employees or more. The online filing fee for the same form has a base fee of $730, plus additional fees. No discount is offered for employers with 25 or less employees. The Anti-Fraud Fee, ACWIA fee, Public Law Fee, and the Asylum Program Fee are the additional fees associated with the I-129 form. A breakdown of these additional fees is provided in the “USCIS Filing Fees FY25 H-1B: What You Need to Know” [2] article.  In the chart below is the information from the USCIS Fee Schedule for I-29 H-1B form:

The paper filing fee for I-539 form is $470 while the online filing fee is only $420. Below is the information from the USCIS Fee Schedule PDF for I-539 H4 form:

Since USCIS does not accept online filing for I-765 (c)(26) category, all H-1B, H-4, and EAD petitions that need to be filed concurrently, must be filed at the USCIS lockbox facility[1]. For such concurrent filings, petitioners cannot take advantage of the I-129 and I-539 online discounts.

As always, we keep our clients informed every step of the way. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, please reach out to us. Our team of experienced attorneys work directly with our clients, providing extensive cultural sensitivity.

[1] G-1055, Fee Schedule: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055

[2] USCIS Filing Fees FY25 H-1B: What You Need to Know: https://bizlegalservices.com/2024/02/08/uscis-filing-fees-fy25-h-1b/