United States H-1B specialty occupation: fee, stay and who needs it
Needs approved I-129 petition. Social media must be public. A separate fee applies to certain new H-1B petitions (Federal Register 2026-17324); not checked here. MRV application fee, non-refundable. Employer petition fees to USCIS are separate.
H-1B specialty occupation
Visa needed- Official fee
- $205
- Stay
- petition period, up to 3 years at a time
- Processing
- depends on the embassy; see the State Department appointment wait time tool
- Interview
- Yes
Questions
How much is the United States H-1B specialty occupation?
The official fee is $205. MRV application fee, non-refundable. Employer petition fees to USCIS are separate.
How long can I stay on the H-1B specialty occupation?
petition period, up to 3 years at a time. Validity: by reciprocity.
What can I do on the H-1B specialty occupation?
It is for work.
Official sources
Checked on November 4, 2026
- DHS Visa Waiver Program country list (updated 28 Oct 2026)
- CBP Visa Waiver Program
- CBP VWP Improvement Act FAQ (travel and dual nationality limits)
- Federal Register 2026-20185, FY2027 ESTA/EVUS/I-94 fees
- Federal Register 2025-16453, ESTA fee to $40 from 30 Sep 2025
- State Dept fees for visa services
- Interview Waiver Update 18 Sep 2025 (effective 1 Oct 2025)
- Proclamation 10998 (White House)
- State Dept: Suspension of visa issuance (2 Feb 2026)
- State Dept: Countries subject to visa bonds (2 Oct 2026)
- US Embassy in Azerbaijan, visas
Sroky is a private company and is not part of any government. The destination decides on every entry. Rules change: the official source always applies.