My employer in the EB-1B does not want to pay for premium processing. Can I pay out of my own pocket?

The EB-1B visa is an immigration pathway that requires employer sponsorship, which includes not only responsibility for various process fees but also, generally, management of costs associated with the petition. Among these fees is the premium processing fee, which, if requested, must be paid by the sponsor – in this case, your employer.

Normally, when the employer submits the EB-1B petition, they also assume responsibility for paying this fee if premium processing is chosen. This fee has specific rules established by USCIS and, as part of the package presented by the employer, a direct financial contribution from the beneficiary is usually not accepted.

In summary, if your employer decided not to cover the premium processing cost, unfortunately, it is not feasible for you, as the beneficiary, to make this payment independently. For these reasons, it is important that all formalities and obligations are fulfilled according to USCIS guidelines to avoid complications or delays in the process.

I recommend discussing the matter directly with your employer, and if necessary, consulting with a specialized immigration advisor. Being in compliance with current laws and regulations is essential for successful immigration processing, and seeking advice from trusted sources can help avoid unpleasant surprises or even scams.

Remember: each case has its particularities, and seeking specialized guidance can be decisive in understanding the best strategies within United States immigration law.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.