When considering immigrating to the United States under the H-1B visa, it is common to have questions about the costs involved for both the principal beneficiary and their dependents. Many wonder if there is an extra fee specifically for dependents, sometimes called a ”dependents fee”.
In the case of the H-1B visa, dependents (spouse and children) typically apply for the H-4 visa, and there is no exclusive fee called a ”dependents fee” charged by the government. Each dependent must, however, pay the consular fees related to processing the H-4 visa, such as the visa application fee, and, in some cases, any associated costs for biometric data collection or appointment services.
These amounts are separate from the fee that the employer or the principal beneficiary pays in the H-1B petition. It is important to highlight that rules and fees may be updated periodically, so it is essential to stay informed through official United States government sources or to consult trusted immigration specialists to confirm the current fees and procedures at the time of application.
Remember that compliance with immigration laws is crucial, and avoiding information from dubious sources can prevent future complications. Following these guidelines and seeking updated information will help navigate the process more safely and smoothly, avoiding surprises and problems arising from changes in immigration policies or applied fees.
Learn more about H-1B Visa
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- Up to 6 years total
- Annual cap
- 85,000 visas
- Processing
- 6-12 months
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.