When a U.S. employer files an H-1B petition with premium processing, the cost includes the attorney's fee, the USCIS premium processing fee and other government filing fees[1]. Both Gale and traditional immigration law firms charge for legal work and pass through the government's premium processing fee at cost, but the attorney fee structures differ. Gale charges a flat fee of $999 (platform fee plus attorney legal fee) for an H-1B petition[2][3]. Traditional firms typically charge $3,000 to $8,000[4].
This guide explains what premium processing covers under the regulation at 8 CFR 103.7, compares total costs for an H-1B petition filed with premium processing through Gale versus a traditional law firm, and breaks down what each fee includes.
What is premium processing?
Premium processing means USCIS will take adjudicative action on certain petitions within 15 business days for most Form I-129 classifications, including H-1B[5][1]. For H-1B petitions, the premium processing fee is $2,965 as of March 1, 2026[1].
USCIS will take one of the following actions within the guaranteed timeframe: issue an approval notice, denial notice, notice of intent to deny, or request for evidence, or open a fraud investigation[5]. A petition is "properly completed" when it has the information the form instructions require, a valid signature and the correct filing fee[5].
If USCIS issues a request for evidence (RFE) or notice of intent to deny (NOID), the premium processing period stops and resets[5]. A new premium processing period begins when USCIS receives the response[5]. When USCIS serves an RFE by mail, the petitioner has up to 87 days to respond[6].
The $2,965 premium processing fee must be paid in a separate remittance from other filing fees[1][7].
How do Gale and traditional law firms compare on H-1B costs?
Both Gale and traditional immigration law firms deliver full attorney review and sign-off on every H-1B petition[8]. The difference is in pricing structure and what the attorney fee includes.
| Cost component | Gale | Typical traditional firm |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney fee | $999 flat fee | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Premium processing fee (Form I-907) | $2,965 | $2,965 |
| RFE response | Usually included | Often billed separately |
Gale publishes a flat fee for every filing type[3][2]. Traditional firms often bill by the hour or by custom quote, and RFEs may be billed separately[8]. Attorney fees for H-1B petitions at traditional firms typically range from $3,000 to $8,000[4]. Hourly billing models can exceed that range for complex matters with multiple RFE rounds[4].
Both Gale and traditional firms pass through the $2,965 USCIS premium processing fee at cost[8][2].
What does each fee cover?
Gale's $999 H-1B flat fee
Gale's flat fee (platform fee plus attorney legal fee) for an H-1B petition includes full attorney review before filing and RFE response, if needed[2]. An independent immigration attorney reviews every case[3].
Government fees such as the USCIS I-129 filing fee, the Asylum Program Fee and premium processing are separate and paid at cost[2].
Traditional law firm fees
Traditional firms typically charge $3,000 to $8,000 for H-1B petition preparation[4]. Traditional firms usually bill by the hour or by custom quote, and RFEs are often billed separately from the initial petition fee[8].
Traditional firm preparation timelines range from four weeks to three months once evidence collection is complete[4].
USCIS premium processing fee
The $2,965 premium processing fee is paid to USCIS on Form I-907[7][1]. USCIS will take one of the listed actions within 15 business days for H-1B petitions[5][9]. Premium processing does not mean approval; it means USCIS will act within the guaranteed timeframe[9].
If USCIS issues an RFE or NOID, a new 15-day premium processing period begins when USCIS receives the response[5][7].
Worked example: cap-exempt H-1B with premium processing
An employer hires a software engineer who qualifies for a cap-exempt H-1B (for example at a university or affiliated nonprofit) and files the petition with premium processing.
With Gale:
- Gale flat fee (platform plus attorney legal fee): $999[2]
- Premium processing: $2,965[1]
- USCIS I-129 base fee and Asylum Program Fee: varies by employer size
With a traditional firm:
- Attorney fee: $3,000–$8,000[4]
- Premium processing: $2,965[1]
- USCIS I-129 base fee and Asylum Program Fee: same as above
Both scenarios involve a licensed attorney preparing and reviewing the petition, and USCIS acting within 15 business days after filing[8][5]. The difference is the attorney fee structure, what it includes and case preparation speed[4][8][2].
What happens if USCIS issues an RFE?
If USCIS issues a request for evidence or notice of intent to deny during the premium processing period, the clock stops[5][7]. When USCIS receives the response, a new 15-day premium processing period begins[5][7]. When USCIS serves an RFE by mail, the petitioner has up to 87 days to respond[6].
Gale's flat fee usually includes the RFE response at no additional charge[2]. Traditional firms often bill RFE responses separately[8].
How do you choose between Gale and a traditional firm?
Both Gale and traditional immigration law firms deliver full attorney review and sign-off on H-1B petitions[8]. The questions to ask are about cost predictability, preparation speed and case visibility.
Gale is typically stronger when:
- You want a published flat fee known at engagement[2][3]
- Your finance team needs to forecast the immigration budget a year ahead[8]
- You value structured intake, parallel workflows and faster case preparation[8]
- HR and employees want a shared case dashboard instead of email threads[8]
A traditional firm may fit better when:
- Your case involves litigation in federal court, removal defense or complex criminal-immigration issues[8]
- You need family-based or humanitarian immigration work outside Gale's employment-based focus[8]
- Your organization wants a single firm for immigration plus unrelated legal matters[8]
Gale customers report average savings of about 30% versus traditional billing, though savings vary by case mix[8]. Gale's approval rate over the last two years is 98%, though past results don't guarantee future outcomes[3].
What to do next
If you're planning to file H-1B petitions with premium processing, decide whether you need the 15-business-day decision timeframe. Premium processing costs $2,965 for H-1B petitions[1], so the total cost difference comes down to attorney fees.
Compare the total cost and what each fee includes. Ask whether RFE responses are included in the quoted fee or billed separately, and confirm the case preparation timeline once all documents are collected.
Frequently asked questions
What does the $2,965 premium processing fee cover?
The $2,965 fee, paid to USCIS on Form I-907, guarantees that USCIS will take action on an H-1B petition within 15 business days: issuing an approval, denial, notice of intent to deny, request for evidence, or opening a fraud investigation. The 15-day period begins when USCIS receives a properly completed I-907. If USCIS issues an RFE or NOID, the clock stops and a new 15-day period begins when the response is received.
Is Gale's $999 H-1B fee really all-inclusive?
Gale's $999 flat fee includes full attorney review and sign-off, and RFE responses if needed. Government fees such as the USCIS I-129 filing fee, the Asylum Program Fee and premium processing are separate and paid at cost. Traditional firms typically charge $3,000 to $8,000 for attorney work, often billing RFEs separately.
Do both Gale and traditional firms use real immigration attorneys?
Yes. An independent, licensed immigration attorney reviews and signs every Gale petition before filing. Traditional law firms also have a licensed attorney review and sign every petition. The difference is that Gale uses technology to handle intake, document collection and drafting, so the attorney's time is focused on strategy, legal judgment and final review.
How long does premium processing take if USCIS issues an RFE?
If USCIS issues an RFE during the 15-day period, the clock stops. The petitioner typically has up to 87 days to respond by mail. A new 15-day premium processing period begins when USCIS receives the response.
Sources
- Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees, Federal Register. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale pricing, Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale facts, Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- 8 Best Immigration Law Firms for an H-1B Visa 2026 | Alma, Alma. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- How Do I Request Premium Processing?, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Chapter 6 - Evidence, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- EB-1A Processing Time 2026: Complete Timeline from I-140 to Green Card, Alma. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- Gale vs. Traditional law firms (Gale's comparison), Gale. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- H-1B Premium Processing: What the 15-Business-Day Clock Really Covers, Boundless. Accessed Nov 2, 2026.
- 8 CFR 103.7 -- Fees., Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 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.
