Filing Fees
Always ascertain the appropriate filing fee by checking the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee schedule, on the USCIS web site, not from the form instructions!
The fee for the regular I-129 petition for a nonimmigrant worker will vary depending on the classification being sought, the petitioner's filing status, and whether there are more than 25 beneficiaries in a group (note - as of April 1, 2024 the very latest edition must be used, no grace period allowed):
For O petitions:
- $530 for U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations of any size
- $530 for filers with 25 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, plus a $300 Asylum Program Fee, for a total fee of $830
- $1055 for all other filers, plus a $600 Asylum Program Fee, for a total fee of $1655
For P petitions:
- $510 for U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations of any size
- $510 for filers with 25 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, plus a $300 Asylum Program Fee, for a total fee of $810
- $1015 for all other filers, plus a $600 Asylum Program Fee, for a total fee of $1615
The fee for the I-907 premium processing form is $2,805.
Payment should be made by business or personal check, money order or cashier's check, payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Separate checks should be used for each fee paid, and the Asylum Program Fee should also be paid by separate check. It is best to make a notation of some sort on the check's memo line, such as "Acme Co. I-129/O-1B for J. Brown," to make it easier to reconnect with check with the filing should it become separated by accident. Do NOT pay fees in cash or stamps!
There is no rule about who must pay these or any other costs associated with the petition. That is a matter of contract between the petitioner, the beneficiary(ies), and the venues. USCIS will be happy to take payment from any source.