What fees does the employer need to pay to USCIS?

The R visa is intended for religious leaders, religious workers, and other professionals linked to religious activities, and its process involves several steps. Among them is the submission of the petition to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), in which the employer must pay certain fees.

It is always important to emphasize that strictly following immigration laws, consulting official sources, and, if necessary, seeking specialized guidance is crucial to avoid complications. Generally speaking, the employer needs to cover some basic costs when submitting the petition for a religious worker under the R visa.

First, there is the processing fee associated with Form I-129, which is the petition for a nonimmigrant worker. Currently, this fee is approximately US$460; however, it is essential to consult the official USCIS website or the form instructions to confirm the amount, as fees may be revised periodically.

Additionally, for petitions involving religious workers, there is a specific fraud prevention and detection fee, which is usually around US$500. This fee aims to strengthen controls and ensure that the benefit is granted legitimately, preventing abuses within the immigration system.

In some cases, if the employer opts for expedited processing, there may be the option of a Premium Processing service, which has an additional cost (the amount for this service may vary and should be checked on the USCIS platform).

It is essential that the entire process be conducted attentively, respecting all deadlines and requirements established by USCIS. Therefore, it is always recommended that any interested party confirms the fees and procedures directly from official sources, besides being cautious with service offers that promise quick or guaranteed results, as this may lead to risks or fraud.

Following United States immigration rules and working with trusted professionals or companies helps prevent scams and future complications.

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.