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Who Has To Pay Green Card Sponsorship Fees? Does an Employer Have to Pay PERM Fees? Does an Employer have to Pay Green Card Fees?

By February 12, 2015May 26th, 2021Immigration, PERM

There are three main steps to obtain an employment-based green card:

1. PERM Labor Certification (Assessment of whether or not there are qualified U.S. workers)
2. I-140 petition (Employer petition for permanent foreign worker)
3. I-485 application (Employee application for permanent residence – green card application). This step may include an application for advance parole (ability to leave the country) and employment authorization (ability to work while waiting) filings.

You can find out more information about these three steps by clicking here.

One key thing to keep in mind about Step 1 and Step 2 above is that the entity filing the petition is the U.S. company and not the U.S. worker. In fact, the U.S. worker does not even sign the PERM or the I-140 and is only listed as the beneficiary on these petitions. We receive numerous calls regarding who has to pay the fees for these filings and the answer really depends. Generally speaking though, the employer must pay for the PERM and the employee is permitted (but not obligated) to pay for the I-140 and I-485 petitions.

Does the Employer have to Pay the Fees Associated with PERM?

PERM is the procedure for applying for labor certification. As a first step, the employer is required to show that it could not find a ready, willing and able U.S. worker for the position. This step involves the company making a good faith attempt to hire a U.S. worker through the recruitment process. If the employer is unable to find a ready, willing and able US worker for the position, the company can file a PERM labor certification online with the Department of Labor.
For the PERM process, the regulations are clear and the employer is responsible for ALL fees associated with the PERM process, including recruitment costs and legal fees. The PERM does not have a filing fee so there is no fee to worry about there. Employers typically deal with all of the steps at the same time and we are often asked to draft a contract between the employer and employee that indicates that the employee will repay all permitted expenditures if they leave the company within a certain timeframe. These letters always make it clear that an employer cannot recover PERM expenses from an employee.

Who Pays for I-140 Fees?

Either an employer or employee can pay these fees. This includes both the legal fees and the filing fees.

Who Pays for I-485 Fees?

Either an employer or employee can pay these fees. This includes both the legal fees and the filing fees.
Where employees may pay fees, it is important that both parties understand the financial obligations and responsibilities of each party throughout the process. We regularly draft agreements between the parties and it is important to have these agreements drafted by a qualified immigration attorney.

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9 Comments

  • Jim Dunleavy says:

    Does an employer of a green card immigrant have to provide health insurance to that full-time employee?

  • Alex says:

    Hi, im about to work in America (or so, by the company whom hire me).
    I’ve read that either employer or employee can pay the fee.
    But, the company who hire me told me that neither them or immigration consultant can pay the fee (it must be pay by me), and they gave links to pay by paypal and western union.
    Now, i dont want to classify this as shady, but, if i must pay the fee, i must know which one is legit, and how can i pay the fee. I’ve been asking to the official USCIS about how to pay and designated account, but they always refer to their page again and again, and there is no answer on how to pay.

    Can anyone help me regarding this case?

    Please excuse my English for im not native.

  • Alex says:

    Hi, im about to work in America (or so, by the company whom hire me).
    I’ve read that either employer or employee can pay the fee.
    But, the company who hire me told me that neither them or immigration consultant can pay the fee (i must be pay by me), and they gave links to pay by paypal and western union.
    Now, i dont want to classify this as shady, but, if i must pay the fee, i must know which one is legit, and how can i pay the fee. I’ve been asking to the official USCIS about how to pay and designated account, but they always refer to their page again and again, and there is no answer on how to pay.

    Can anyone help me regarding this case?

    Please excuse my English for im not native.

  • Elizabeth says:

    Thank you for this information. It is consistent with other links – however, as with the others, it is one step short of being complete. If the employer pays the I-140 and I-145 fees, is it considered income for the employee? The PERM fees have to be paid by the employer, so I am assuming it is a valid business expense – but maybe I shouldn’t assume, are they considered taxable income to the employee?

    • IanScott says:

      Thank you for contacting us. We offer free information on the internet for informational purposes addressing very specific topics. For “complete” information or assessments, we welcome the opportunity to set up a one hour consultation at our convenience. Our $250 consultation fee is applied towards your final bill should you decide to hire the firm. Kind regards,

  • bondette says:

    I had the chance 2 meet ian scott and i think he is a great person and lawyer i would recommend him 2 anyone who is in need od a honest lawyer

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