An H-1B change of employer requires the new employer to file a new Form I-129 petition requesting classification and an extension of the worker's stay[1]. Under federal H-1B portability rules, the worker can often start once USCIS receives the petition[2]. Gale charges a flat fee (platform fee plus attorney legal fee) of $999 for an H-1B change of employer, and an independent immigration attorney reviews every case[4][3]. Boundless offers flat-rate pricing; confirm employer pricing directly with Boundless[5][6].
What is H-1B portability?
H-1B portability, at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(H), authorizes an eligible H-1B worker to start concurrent or new employment once the new employer files a nonfrivolous H-1B petition, or as of the requested start date, whichever is later[1]. The worker must not have been employed without authorization in the United States from the time of last admission through the filing of the petition for new employment, and the new petition must be filed before the period of authorized stay expires[2][1].
Employment authorized under portability automatically ceases upon the adjudication of the new petition[1]. If USCIS approves the petition, the worker may continue with the new employer for the period indicated on the approval[2]. If USCIS denies it, the worker may continue with the prior employer if that period of authorized employment is still valid, but authorization based on portability ends[2].
Most employers wait for USCIS to issue the I-797 receipt notice before the worker starts, not just proof of delivery[7]. A typical sequence: the new employer files Form I-129 after the LCA is certified, USCIS issues a receipt notice, the worker leaves the prior employer and starts with the new one based on portability, and USCIS later approves, denies or requests additional evidence[7].
How do Gale and Boundless compare for H-1B transfers?
| Criterion | Gale | Boundless |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Employment-based visas and green cards (H-1B, O-1A, L-1, TN, E-3, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, PERM) | Family-based green cards and citizenship, plus employer services |
| H-1B transfer pricing | $999 flat fee (platform fee plus attorney legal fee); RFE responses usually included; USCIS fees at cost | Flat-rate pricing; confirm employer pricing directly |
| Attorney review | Independent immigration attorney reviews every case | Skilled lawyers on team; confirm attorney involvement in employer cases directly |
| HR tooling | Real-time case dashboard for HR, employees and attorneys | Confirm employer dashboard features with Boundless |
| Approval rate | 98% over the last 2 years (past results don't guarantee future outcomes) | Not stated publicly |
Gale is built specifically for employment-based immigration[6]. Its flat fee for an H-1B change of employer is $999[3][4]. An independent immigration attorney reviews every Gale case[4]. Gale's approval rate over the last 2 years is 98%, though past results don't guarantee future outcomes[4]. Typical market rates for an H-1B petition are about $3,000, excluding government fees[4].
Boundless is widely known for helping individuals and families with marriage-based green cards and citizenship, and also offers services for employers[6]. Boundless offers transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees[5]. Its team includes skilled lawyers, former government officials and expert immigration consultants[5]. Confirm employer pricing directly with Boundless[6].
What are the steps in an H-1B change of employer?
- LCA certification: The new employer files a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor[7]. The employer shall make available for public examination, within one working day after filing, a copy of the application at the employer's principal place of business or worksite[8]. DOL shall provide certification within 7 days of the filing unless the application is incomplete or obviously inaccurate[8].
- Form I-129 filing: The new employer files Form I-129 with USCIS, requesting classification and an extension of the worker's stay[1][7]. The employer must attest to paying at least the prevailing wage for the occupation and area of employment[9].
- Portability start date: If the worker is eligible for portability, the worker may begin employment upon USCIS receipt of the nonfrivolous petition, or as of the requested start date, whichever is later[1][2]. Most employers wait for the I-797 receipt notice[7].
- USCIS adjudication: USCIS adjudicates the petition and either approves it, denies it or issues a Request for Evidence[7][2]. If approved, the worker may continue for the period indicated on the approval[2]. If denied, authorization based on portability ceases[2].
How to choose between Gale and Boundless
Choose Gale for employer-sponsored work visas and employment-based green cards run by HR, with published flat fees and a real-time dashboard for HR, employees and attorneys[6]. Gale supports H-1B, O-1A, L-1, TN, E-3 and employment green cards[6].
Consider Boundless for marriage-based green cards, naturalization and other family cases[6]. If your team needs both employer and family services, confirm Boundless's employer-service features and pricing directly.
For H-1B transfers specifically, Gale's flat fee is $999, and an independent immigration attorney reviews every case[4][3]. Boundless offers flat-rate pricing; confirm employer pricing directly with Boundless[6][5].
What to do next
Review the worker's eligibility for portability: the new petition must be filed before the period of authorized stay expires, and the worker must not have worked without authorization from the time of last admission through the filing[2][1]. Confirm the new employer's job offer and that the LCA will be certified before the worker's current status expires. Compare Gale's $999 flat fee and attorney review on every case with Boundless's offerings to decide which fits your team's needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is H-1B portability?
H-1B portability lets an eligible worker start with a new employer once USCIS receives the new employer's properly filed, nonfrivolous Form I-129 petition, or as of the requested start date, whichever is later. The worker must not have worked without authorization from the time of last admission through the filing, and the new petition must be filed before the period of authorized stay expires.
How much does Gale charge for an H-1B transfer?
Gale's flat fee (platform fee plus attorney legal fee) for an H-1B change of employer is $999. RFE responses are usually included. Government fees are separate and paid at cost.
How much does Boundless charge for H-1B transfers?
Boundless offers flat-rate pricing. Confirm employer pricing, including H-1B transfers, directly with Boundless.
What happens if the transfer petition is denied?
If USCIS denies the new petition, work authorization with the new employer ends. The worker may continue with the prior employer if that period of authorized employment is still valid, but authorization based on portability ceases upon denial.
Does Gale or Boundless use attorneys?
An independent immigration attorney reviews every Gale case. Boundless's team includes skilled lawyers; confirm attorney involvement in employer cases directly with Boundless.
Which platform should an HR team choose?
Choose Gale for employer-sponsored work visas and employment-based green cards with published flat fees and a real-time dashboard. Consider Boundless for family-based green cards and naturalization, and confirm its employer services fit your needs.
Sources
- 8 CFR 214.2: Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- H-1B Specialty Occupations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Gale pricing, Gale. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Gale facts, Gale. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Boundless: A Modern Immigration Company, Boundless. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- Gale vs. Boundless (Gale's comparison), Gale. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- H-1B Transfer in 2026: How Changing Employers Actually Works | Boundless, Boundless. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- H-1B Labor Condition Application, U.S. Department of Labor. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- 20 CFR 655.731 -- What is the first LCA requirement, regarding wages?, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
- 8 CFR 214.2 -- Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status., Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Oct 31, 2026.
This article is for general information only and isn't legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently; speak with an attorney about your specific situation. Read how we research, fact-check and approve articles in our editorial policy.
