H-1B: The Buck Stops Where?

Who can pay the cost of the H-1B is a recurring question. And the US Department of Labor provides the answer.

The short answer is: the employer. However, like most legal questions, the more detailed answer is more complicated.

It is that time of year again—H-1B filing season. Employers, recent graduates, and professionals overseas are starting to prepare for the annual filing of new H-1B visa petitions to authorize professionals from other countries to be employed in the US.

The process is expensive. There are government filing fees and attorney's fees, charges for expert evaluations of foreign education and/or experience and charges for translations. For some, there may also be costs associated with relocation, transportation, accompanying family members, etc. Even generous employers often question whether some of the expenses can be lawfully paid the employee himself or herself, or which of the expenses the employer may recoup if the employee leaves employment.