When an HR team needs to onboard three H-1B employees in 30 days under the portability rule, the platform and pricing model matter[1]. Gale charges a published $999 flat fee per H-1B transfer (platform fee plus attorney legal fee), with an independent immigration attorney reviewing every case[3][2]. Envoy Global quotes per program with flat per-matter fees that scale with volume and complexity, and consultation is included[4]. This guide compares their service models, pricing structures and best-fit profiles for H-1B change-of-employer filings.
The comparison reflects Gale's review as of October 10, 2026[5]. See Gale's comparison page for more on how the providers differ.
How does H-1B portability work?
Under 8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(H), an H-1B employee can start working for a new employer as soon as that employer properly files a non-frivolous Form I-129 petition on their behalf, or as of the requested start date on that petition, whichever is later[6]. To be eligible, the employee must not have been employed without authorization from the time of their last admission into the United States, and the new employer must file the petition before the employee's H-1B period of authorized stay expires[1].
Employment authorized under portability continues until USCIS decides the I-129 petition[1]. If the new petition is approved, the employee may continue working for the new employer for the period indicated on the approval[1]. If the petition is denied, the employee may continue working for their previous employer if that prior period of authorized employment is still valid, but portability authorization ceases upon denial[1].
An employee who is laid off, fired, quits, or otherwise ceases employment with their previous employer may have up to 60 consecutive days or until the end of their authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, to find new employment, change status, or depart the country[7][1].
What does each provider's model include?
| Provider | Model | Legal services | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gale | Technology platform with a network of independent immigration attorneys; Gale is not a law firm | An independent immigration attorney reviews every Gale case | Startups through mid-size and growing enterprises wanting transparent per-case pricing |
| Envoy Global | Immigration management platform with affiliated legal services | Dedicated lawyers, program managers and support serve as an extension of the client's team | Large enterprises with global mobility programs |
Gale focuses on U.S. employment-based visas and green cards, including H-1B, O-1A, L-1, TN, E-3, EB-1, EB-2 NIW and PERM[5]. Envoy Global offers U.S. and global immigration services to manage workforce needs across countries[5].
Envoy Global's platform includes thousands of automated, collaborative workflows for countries worldwide, with cases automatically prioritized based on expiration dates, start dates and other factors[8]. The platform integrates with existing HRIS systems and provides dashboards with up-to-date reporting and automatic notifications for work authorization expiration dates, departmental spending and workforce planning[8]. Employees gain direct access to legal teams for quicker responses, and the platform supports programs from 50 cases a year to 5,000 cases in 30 different countries at once[8].
Gale includes full technology platform access with case tracking, notifications and integrations[2]. The platform gives HR and employees one real-time dashboard[5].
How do pricing structures compare?
Gale publishes a flat fee per filing: $999 for an H-1B transfer (platform fee plus attorney legal fee), with RFE responses usually included[5][2]. Government fees are separate and paid at cost[2]. Gale's H-1B pricing is below typical market rates of about $3,000 for an H-1B petition, excluding government fees, because Gale keeps prices low through technology and automation[3].
Envoy Global typically quotes per client, with pricing scoped to the program's actual visa volume, countries and complexity[4][5]. Every case type has a defined flat fee, so clients know the cost before work begins[4]. Case preparation, filing, and case-specific consultation and review are included in the flat fee for each matter, meaning routine questions and strategy discussions during a case don't generate additional charges[4]. Filing fees are always itemized separately[4]. Envoy Global's flat per-matter fees scale with the program's volume and complexity[4].
For an HR team onboarding three H-1B transfers, Gale's published per-case fee makes the total cost straightforward to calculate before starting. Envoy Global's program-based quote would reflect the broader immigration needs across the organization. Confirm current Envoy Global pricing directly with the provider[5].
What are the timeline considerations for H-1B transfers?
Before filing the I-129 petition with USCIS, the employer must submit a Labor Condition Application to the Department of Labor[9]. LCAs must not be submitted more than six months before the beginning date of the period of employment[9]. The Department of Labor reviews LCAs within seven working days for completeness and obvious errors or inaccuracies[9]. Employers can check the status of submitted applications and directly access certified applications through the FLAG System[9].
Once the I-129 is properly filed, the H-1B portability rule allows the employee to begin working[1][6]. USCIS processing times for the I-129 vary; premium processing is available for H-1B petitions for an additional government fee.
An independent immigration attorney reviews every Gale case[3]. Envoy Global's platform automates workflows and prioritizes cases based on start dates and other factors, backed by dedicated legal teams[8].
How should HR teams choose between Gale and Envoy Global?
Choose Gale if the team wants to know the price of each H-1B transfer filing upfront and needs a real-time dashboard for HR and employees[5]. Gale's $999 flat fee per transfer (platform fee plus attorney legal fee), with RFE responses usually included, fits startups through mid-size and growing enterprises[2][3][5].
Consider Envoy Global if the organization needs one vendor for immigration in many countries alongside U.S. cases, or if the mobility program involves coordinating cases across multiple jurisdictions with centralized reporting[5][4]. Envoy Global's model with dedicated program managers and consultation included in the flat per-matter fees scales for large enterprises with complex global programs[4][10][5].
What to do next
For teams onboarding H-1B transfers under the portability rule:
- Confirm the employee meets portability eligibility: no unauthorized employment since last admission, and the new petition filed before the current H-1B authorized stay expires[1].
- Choose a provider model that fits the organization's immigration volume and geographic scope.
- Start the LCA process with enough time for the Department of Labor's seven-working-day review before the employee's intended start date[9].
- File the I-129 properly with USCIS to trigger portability, allowing the employee to begin working while the petition is pending[6][1].
Check the H-1B visa page for full eligibility and cost details, and see the LCA glossary entry for more on the Department of Labor filing requirement.
Frequently asked questions
When can an H-1B employee start working for a new employer?
Under 8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(H), an H-1B employee can begin working for a new employer as soon as that employer properly files a non-frivolous Form I-129 on their behalf, or as of the requested start date on the petition, whichever is later. To be eligible, the employee must not have worked without authorization since their last U.S. admission, and the new petition must be filed before their current H-1B authorized stay expires.
How much does Gale charge for an H-1B transfer?
Gale charges a published flat fee of $999 per H-1B transfer (platform fee plus attorney legal fee). RFE responses are usually included in this fee. Government filing fees are separate and paid at cost.
How does Envoy Global's pricing work?
Envoy Global quotes per client with flat per-matter fees that scale with the program's volume and complexity. Case preparation, filing, and case-specific consultation and review are included in each matter's flat fee. Filing fees are itemized separately. Confirm current pricing directly with Envoy Global.
How long does LCA certification take?
The Department of Labor reviews Labor Condition Applications within seven working days for completeness and obvious errors or inaccuracies. Employers can check the status of submitted LCAs and access certified applications through the FLAG System.
What happens if the H-1B transfer petition is denied?
If a new H-1B petition filed under portability is denied, the employee may continue working for their previous employer if their prior period of authorized employment is still valid, but authorization to work based on portability ceases upon the denial. If the employee is no longer employed by the previous employer, they may have up to 60 consecutive days or until the end of their authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, to find new employment, change status, or depart the country.
Which provider should HR teams choose for H-1B transfers?
Choose Gale if you want to know the price of each H-1B transfer filing upfront and give HR and employees one real-time dashboard. Consider Envoy Global if you need one vendor for immigration in many countries alongside U.S. cases. Confirm each provider's current offerings directly.
Sources
- H-1B Specialty Occupations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale pricing, Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale facts, Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Pricing, Envoy Global. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale vs. Envoy Global (Gale's comparison), Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- 8 CFR 214.2: Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Technology, Envoy Global. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- H-1B Program, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, U.S. Department of Labor. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Home, Envoy Global. Accessed Nov 2, 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.
