What Does an EB-1 Visa Cost? Legal Costs, Filing Fees, and What to Expect

The EB-1 visa is for people at the top of their field. Scientists. Founders. Researchers. Executives. If that’s you, you’re not just filling out a form, you’re building a case that proves you belong here, permanently. And that process comes with costs.

Between government filing fees and legal representation, the total investment depends on your category, how fast you need a decision, and how your case is structured. Whether you’re self-petitioning under EB-1A or working with an employer sponsor for EB-1B or EB-1C, the fees can add up—but so can the rewards.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you’ll pay, why the costs can get high, and how to find the right way to cover your costs so you can focus on what matters: winning your green card.

How Much Does an EB-1 Visa Cost?

When you file an EB-1 petition, you have two options: wait it out or speed it up.

Regular processing takes 1.5 to 2 years, with government fees ranging from $715 to $1,315, depending on your sponsor. Premium processing cuts that to as little as 15 business days for EB-1A and EB-1B, for an extra $2,805. 

Aside from the processing time, you’ll pay two types of fees:

• Legal fees: What you pay your attorney
• Government filing fees: What you pay directly to USCIS (and sometimes, the U.S. Department of State)

EB-1 Visa Cost Breakdown

Below is a breakdown of current government filing fees for the EB-1 petition (Form I-140) based on who sponsors the application.

If you’re adjusting your status from within the U.S., these are the additional government fees to keep in mind:

Why Are EB-1 Visa Application Costs So High?

The EB-1 is a detailed petition that needs to clearly demonstrate, with strong supporting evidence, that you’ve reached the top of your field. Here’s why the costs add up:

You’re building a case, not just filing a form

This isn’t a copy-paste application. A strong EB-1 petition requires a complete legal strategy: structuring your evidence around USCIS criteria, drafting compelling expert letters, and preparing for Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

The government fees add up fast

Start with the I-140 filing fee ($715), then add the Asylum Program Fee (up to $600), and you’re already over $1,300 just to file the petition. If you’re adjusting your status inside the U.S., you’ll pay another $1,440 for Form I-485, plus $260 for a work permit and $630 for a travel document. Want a decision fast? Premium processing is another $2,805.

It takes time and expert attention

A high-quality EB-1 petition includes carefully curated evidence: media coverage, publications, speaking engagements, awards, expert letters, and more. Your legal team doesn’t just organize documents — they elevate them to meet a strict legal bar.

You’re aiming for a green card, not just a work visa

Unlike temporary visas, the EB-1 leads directly to permanent residency. It’s a major step that comes with a more intensive process and a higher standard of proof. That means more work, more review, and more investment on the front end.

Are EB-1 Visa Costs Worth the Investment?

Getting an EB-1 visa takes serious effort. It requires strong documentation, a clear legal narrative, and upfront investment. But if you’ve built a career on exceptional achievements, it’s one of the most direct and rewarding paths to permanent residency.

Unlike other green cards, the EB-1 doesn’t require a labor certification or leave you stuck in a lottery. Your case is judged on what you’ve done, not on whether an employer can prove there’s no one else like you.

If you’ve already risen to the top of your field, the EB-1 lets you stay there, on your terms. It’s not just about paying to stay — it’s about securing the future you’ve worked hard to build.

Who’s Responsible for Paying EB-1 Visa Costs?

It depends on how your case is structured and whether you’re self-petitioning or being sponsored by an employer.

With the EB-1A, you’re applying based on your own extraordinary ability and don’t need an employer sponsor. That means you’re responsible for covering all costs, including legal fees, filing fees, and any extras like translations or expert letters.

With the EB-1B or EB-1C, you’re employer-sponsored. In these cases, some employers cover all or part of the costs, especially if they’re invested in keeping you long-term. Others may expect you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later. There’s no legal requirement for employers to cover EB-1 costs, but it’s absolutely fair to ask during negotiations.

Here’s a quick comparison:

How to Afford EB-1 Visa Costs

While the long-term payoff is significant, the upfront costs of an E-B1 visa can still feel like a lot. The good news? You don’t have to pay it all at once. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Here are some ways applicants manage EB-1 costs:

Use a payment plan

Some law firms (including Manifest Law) offer monthly payment options, so you can break up legal fees into manageable chunks. No interest, no hidden fees — just a straightforward way to stay on budget.

Ask your employer to cover part of the cost

If you’re applying under EB-1B or EB-1C, your employer may be willing to cover some or all of the filing and legal fees, especially if they’re sponsoring your petition. It’s not required by law, but it’s a common benefit, and it’s worth asking about.

Split the cost with a business partner or investor

In startup or founder-led cases, applicants sometimes share costs with their company or backers. If your business benefits from you getting a green card, they may be open to helping cover the path to get there.

Yes, paying in full simplifies things. But if that’s not realistic right now, there are flexible options available.

Start Your EB-1 Visa Application with Confidence

The EB-1 is a direct path to a green card, but it comes with real costs. Between USCIS fees, supporting documents, and attorney representation, most applicants spend between thousands from start to finish.

At Manifest Law, we’ve helped exceptional individuals—from scientists and founders to artists and executives—successfully secure EB-1 green cards with personalized strategy and flat-fee legal support. If you’re ready to take the next step or want clarity on whether you qualify, we’re here to guide you through it.

👉Request a consultation to get started. We’ll walk you through the process, the cost, and what to expect, step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions About E-B1 Visa Costs

How much does an EB-1 visa cost with Manifest Law?

At Manifest, our EB-1 pricing is flat, transparent, and built for clarity. No hourly billing. No surprise fees. Just two all-inclusive options:

• Standard Plan – $8,995: Includes full legal support, expert letter drafting, petition preparation, filing strategy, and RFE response planning. Pay in full or in 4 monthly installments.
• Money-Back Plan – $11,450: Everything in the Standard Plan, plus a refund of your legal fee if your case is denied. Terms apply. Also available with monthly payments.

Can I pay for my EB-1 visa in installments?

It depends on the law firm you work with. Manifest Law offers flexible payment plans so you don’t have to pay everything upfront. Most clients choose a 4-month plan, making the process more manageable.

Can my employer cover EB-1 visa costs?

This really depends on the generosity and internal policies of your employer. If you’re applying under EB-1B or EB-1C, employers often cover some or all of the fees. If you’re self-petitioning under EB-1A, you’re typically responsible for the full cost, but it never hurts to ask.

Should I pay extra for premium processing?

If speed matters, yes. For $2,805, premium processing gets you a USCIS decision within 15 business days (for EB-1A and EB-1B). 

Is the EB-1 visa more expensive than other green card options?

Upfront, yes. The EB-1 involves more legal strategy and documentation than most green cards. But it skips the labor certification process and offers a faster, more direct path to permanent residency, saving you time and stress in the long run.