Plan for Immigration Costs and Processing Time
International hiring and scholar hosting may involve federal filing fees, university preparation time, government processing, visa processing, and international travel.
Costs and timelines depend on the immigration process. H-1B sponsorship generally requires department or college funding for federal petition fees. J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsorship does not require a department filing fee, but the scholar is responsible for applicable federal SEVIS and visa fees.
Start the process as early as possible so International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) can review the request and identify the applicable costs and timing considerations.
H-1B Sponsorship: Department Costs
The sponsoring CSUSB department or college is responsible for the federal filing fees associated with the university's H-1B petition.
The fees required depend on the type of petition and whether premium processing is used.
| Fee | When it Typically Applies | Current Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 Filing Fee | Initial H-1B petitions and extensions | $460 |
| Fraud Detection and Prevention Fee | Initial H-1B petitions | $500 |
| Premium Processing Fee | Commonly needed for initial petitions and extensions | $2,965 |
For a typical initial H-1B petition, the department should plan for the Form I-129 filing fee and Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee. In most cases, the department should also budget for premium processing when expedited USCIS action is needed to support employment authorization by the first day of work or faculty orientation.
For a typical H-1B extension, the department generally pays the Form I-129 filing fee. Because regular USCIS processing can be lengthy, premium processing is also needed in many extension cases. Although the faculty may be responsible for premium processing, the department may at times be responsible instead.
ISSS will confirm the fees required for the specific petition before filing. Federal filing fees are subject to change.
H-1B Planning Timeline
Submit the H-1B request as soon as the employment offer is extended and the campus becomes aware that the individual will need H-1B sponsorship.
The H-1B process includes university review, document collection, preparation of the Labor Condition Application, petition preparation, USCIS filing, and government adjudication. Additional time may be needed if USCIS requests more information or if another issue must be resolved before employment authorization can be confirmed.
Starting early allows ISSS to review the case, identify the required documentation and fees, and advise the department about the expected process before the proposed employment start date.
Departments should not delay the request while waiting for the employee’s current immigration status to expire or until the proposed start date is approaching.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Costs
CSUSB does not charge the sponsoring department or college an immigration filing fee for J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsorship.
The department and the exchange visitor should still plan for the costs connected to the visit.
The sponsoring department or college does not pay a CSUSB J-1 immigration filing fee.
Departments should plan for any other university or program expenses associated with the visit, such as appointment, hosting, travel, or program costs that apply to the specific exchange activity.
The exchange visitor is responsible for applicable federal and personal costs associated with obtaining J-1 status and traveling to the United States. These may include:
- The I-901 SEVIS fee;
- The J-1 visa application fee;
- Any applicable visa issuance or reciprocity fee; and
- Travel and other personal expenses connected to the exchange program.
Federal fees can change. Exchange visitors should use current government fee information when preparing for the visa process.
J-1 Planning Timeline
Submit the J-1 Exchange Visitor request as soon as the invitation letter is issued.
Departments should generally allow at least three months before the proposed program start date. This planning period gives ISSS time to review the sponsorship request and prepare the Form DS-2019, while also allowing the scholar time to complete the visa process and arrange travel to the United States.
The scholar may need time to:
- Pay the required federal fee;
- Complete the visa application;
- Schedule and attend a visa interview, when required;
- Receive the visa after the interview; and
- Make travel arrangements after visa issuance.
Visa appointment availability and government processing times vary and are outside CSUSB's control.
Fees and Timelines Can Change
Federal filing fees, premium processing fees, visa fees, government processing times, and visa appointment availability can change.
ISSS confirms the applicable university process and petition fees when reviewing a specific request. Exchange visitors should also review current federal fee and visa information before making payments or travel arrangements.
Government processing times and visa appointment availability are outside CSUSB's control. Published planning windows are intended to help departments start early and do not guarantee a particular government decision or arrival date.
Ready to Begin?
Start the appropriate process as soon as the employment or hosting need is identified.
Departments seeking H-1B sponsorship should review the department guidance and begin the university process as soon as an offer is extended and H-1B support is identified.
Departments planning to host a J-1 Exchange Visitor should begin the sponsorship process when the invitation letter is issued and allow sufficient time for immigration and visa processing.