The employer green card sponsorship cost depends on the visa category, legal fees, recruitment expenses, and government filing charges. U.S. employers must cover certain mandatory costs when sponsoring a foreign worker for permanent residence.
Understanding the full financial commitment helps companies budget properly and avoid compliance violations.
Contents
Main Stages That Affect Employer Green Card Sponsorship Cost
The employment-based green card process generally includes:
- PERM labor certification (if required)
- Form I-140 immigrant petition
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or consular processing
Each stage adds specific costs.
PERM Labor Certification Costs
For EB-2 and EB-3 categories, PERM certification is usually required. Employer green card sponsorship cost at this stage may include:
- Recruitment advertising expenses ($1,000–$3,000+)
- Prevailing wage determination process
- Attorney fees ($2,000–$6,000)
Federal regulations require employers to pay all PERM-related recruitment costs.
Form I-140 Immigrant Petition Fees
- USCIS I-140 filing fee
- Optional premium processing fee
- Attorney preparation fees
Premium processing significantly increases total employer green card sponsorship cost but shortens processing time.
Adjustment of Status Costs
Form I-485 filing fees are often paid by the employee, though some employers cover these costs as part of company policy.
Medical exams and biometrics fees may also apply.
Total Estimated Employer Green Card Sponsorship Cost
Typical employer expenses for a standard EB-2 or EB-3 case may range between:
- $5,000 to $12,000 or more
Costs increase if premium processing or complex legal issues arise.
EB-1 vs EB-2 vs EB-3 Cost Differences
- EB-1: Often avoids PERM, reducing recruitment expenses
- EB-2: Requires PERM unless National Interest Waiver applies
- EB-3: Requires PERM and may involve longer backlogs
Visa category selection impacts overall cost and timeline.
Who Must Pay?
Under U.S. Department of Labor regulations:
- Employers must pay PERM recruitment and filing costs
- Employers must demonstrate ability to pay offered wage
- Employees cannot legally reimburse mandatory PERM costs
Improper fee arrangements may lead to penalties.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Internal HR compliance expenses
- Record-keeping and audit preparation
- Relocation and onboarding support
- Future immigration renewals or extensions
Long-term workforce planning may increase total investment.
Is Employer Green Card Sponsorship Cost Worth It?
For many employers, the employer green card sponsorship cost is justified by retaining skilled employees long-term, reducing turnover, and improving workforce stability.
Common Mistakes Employers Make
- Underestimating total legal expenses
- Failing to budget for recruitment advertising
- Passing prohibited costs to employees
- Ignoring priority date backlogs
Accurate budgeting and compliance reduce legal risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can employees pay for their green card?
Employees may pay for personal application costs, but mandatory PERM-related employer expenses cannot be passed on.
How long does the process take?
Processing may take several months to multiple years depending on visa category and backlog.
Does premium processing reduce total cost?
No. It increases cost but reduces USCIS processing time.
Final Thoughts
The employer green card sponsorship cost includes recruitment expenses, government filing fees, and legal representation. Employers should carefully evaluate immigration strategy, budget for required stages, and ensure full compliance with Department of Labor regulations.