Do I need to pay the ‘fraud prevention fee’ again for an H-1B renewal?

The ‘fraud prevention fee’ is a charge associated with certain H-1B petitions, tied to efforts to combat fraud in the program. A common question is whether it must be paid again at each renewal, and the answer depends on the type of request involved, not on a single blanket rule.

Not every renewal or extension of the visa requires paying this fee again. Factors such as the nature of the petition and any changes involved (for example, a change of employer or a new petition) can affect which fees apply. For this reason, neither the amount nor the obligation itself should be assumed.

Because processing fees and the rules governing when each one applies change over time, the safest approach is to check the current fee schedule directly from the official source before paying or withholding any amount.

For your specific situation, it is worth verifying current fees and requirements with USCIS or with a qualified specialist, to avoid overpaying or missing a deadline due to outdated information.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.