The only calculator that models denial risk as a real financial variable, not a vague fear. Get your risk-adjusted total cost in 30 seconds.
Employer size affects USCIS ACWIA training fees and attorney rates.
Lowest denial rate, established tech firms have strong approval history
+$2,965, 15-day decision guarantee
I'm an international student transitioning from OPT to H1B
Filing Cost
$8,830
USCIS fees + attorney
Risk Cost (4% denial rate)
$371
Expected value of denial
Total Expected Cost
$9,201
Risk-adjusted total
Form I-129 (H-1B petition)
Filed online ($780 on paper)
$730
ACWIA Training Fee
Standard rate (26+ employees)
$1,500
Asylum Program Fee
Standard rate (26+ employees)
$600
Anti-Fraud / Integrity Fee
Required for new petitions
$500
Attorney Fees
Small employer rate
$5,500
Initial petition + 2 extensions (max H1B period without green card)
Extensions cost less because the anti-fraud fee ($500) only applies to new petitions. However, RFE rates tend to increase with extensions, premium processing becomes more valuable at year 3+.
Data Sources & Methodology
USCIS filing fees: Form G-1055, edition 10/26/26. Denial rates: NFAP (National Foundation for American Policy) analysis of USCIS adjudication data. Attorney fees: National survey of immigration law firm rates by employer size. Risk-adjusted cost = denial probability × (fees paid + partial attorney time) × 1.4x disruption multiplier.
Your total expected cost is $9,201. The risk cost is manageable, but it's still real money. A qualified attorney helps protect it.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual costs vary by case. Denial rates are industry averages; individual petitions may differ significantly. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.