H-1B immigration services in the San Francisco Bay Area vary widely in pricing, turnaround time and service model. Gale's flat fee (platform fee plus attorney legal fee) for an H-1B petition is $999, about one-third the typical market rate of $3,000[1]. This guide compares Gale's approach with Alma and traditional law firms, covering flat fees, turnaround times and what each model delivers for tech companies hiring foreign professionals under the H-1B visa program.
What does Gale charge for H-1B petitions?
Gale charges $999 for a new H-1B petition, which includes the platform fee and attorney legal fee[2]. H-1B cap lottery registration is $0[2]. Extensions, change-of-employer petitions and amendments are each $999[2]. Government fees are separate and paid at cost[2].
The flat fee includes full attorney review before filing, RFE response if needed, administrative fees for printing and shipping, white-glove onboarding, access to Gale's case-tracking platform and case status notifications[2]. An immigration attorney reviews every Gale case[1]. Gale's approval rate over the last two years is 98%, though past results don't guarantee future outcomes[1].
Gale keeps its prices low through technology and automation[1]. The platform handles document collection, organization and petition drafting from structured inputs, reducing the attorney hours required while maintaining legal rigor.
How does Gale compare with Alma?
Alma charges $3,500 for new H-1B petitions[3]. H-1B lottery registration costs $500, extensions $3,000, change of employer $3,000 and amendments $3,000[3].
Alma prepares petitions in 2–3 weeks, which it contrasts with traditional firms averaging 2–4 months[4]. The platform organizes documents automatically, and a dedicated attorney reviews qualifications against USCIS standards within 48 hours[4]. Petitions undergo multiple review rounds: initial attorney assessment, senior attorney quality check and final compliance review[4]. Alma's attorneys maintain 99%+ approval rates[4].
Alma describes traditional firms as billing $8,000–$15,000 in legal fees for H-1B petitions through extended consultation calls, multiple revision rounds and scattered communications[4].
What do traditional law firms charge for H-1B cases?
Traditional law firms charge $8,000–$15,000 in legal fees for H-1B petitions and average 2–4 months for preparation, often using junior associates for drafting[4]. A straightforward H-1B petition without premium processing may cost an employer around $2,000 to $6,000 or more in total when government fees are included[5]. A premium case with outside counsel can run past $7,000 to $10,000[5].
Attorney fees are often the second-largest cost after government filing fees, and there is no government-set legal fee, so pricing varies by firm, case complexity and the level of support included[5].
| Provider model | New petition fee | Cap registration | Turnaround estimate | RFE response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gale | $999 | $0 | Not stated | Included |
| Alma | $3,500 | $500 | 2–3 weeks | Not stated |
| Traditional firms | $8,000–$15,000 | Not stated | 2–4 months | Varies |
What are government fees for H-1B petitions?
Government fees for H-1B petitions depend on employer size, petition type and whether premium processing is requested. The Form I-129 filing fee is $780 for most employers and $460 for employers with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and nonprofits[6]. The asylum program fee is $600 for most employers[6]. Nonprofits and small employers with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees pay $300[6]. Nonprofits pay no additional asylum program fee[6].
The ACWIA training fee is $1,500 for employers with more than 25 U.S. employees and $750 for those with 25 or fewer; some employers are exempt[5]. The fraud prevention and detection fee is $500 for new H-1B and change-of-employer petitions[5]. For petitioners with 50 or more employees in the United States, if more than 50 percent of the petitioner's employees in the aggregate are in H-1B, L-1A or L-1B nonimmigrant status, an additional fee of $4,000 applies[7]. Premium processing costs $2,965[8].
A small private employer filing a first-time H-1B without premium typically pays about $2,500 to $6,500 or more in total, including legal fees[5]. A larger private employer in the same scenario pays about $3,500 to $7,500 or more[5]. Adding premium processing increases the total by the premium fee and possibly $500 to $1,500 or more in rush legal fees[5].
What does 8 CFR 214.2(h) require for H-1B petitions?
Under 8 CFR 214.2(h), a specialty occupation means an occupation that requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in fields including architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology and the arts, and that requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related specific specialty as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States[9].
A position is not a specialty occupation if attainment of a general degree, without further specialization, is sufficient to qualify for the position[9]. A position may allow for a range of qualifying degree fields, provided that each of those fields is directly related to the duties of the position[9]. Directly related means there is a logical connection between the required degree, or its equivalent, and the duties of the position[9].
About 17% of initial H-1B petitions receive requests for evidence[4]. Thorough documentation and clear connection between the degree field and position duties reduce RFE risk[4].
How should employers choose an H-1B provider?
Employers evaluating H-1B immigration providers should consider total cost, preparation turnaround, attorney involvement, RFE handling and platform features. Gale's $999 flat fee is the lowest among the options described here, and attorney review is included on every case[2][1]. Alma prepares petitions in 2–3 weeks through automated document collection and structured legal workflows[4].
Companies filing multiple H-1B cases may benefit from providers offering dedicated account teams, bulk pricing or integrations with HR systems. The H-1B visa page explains eligibility, timelines and what documents the LCA requires.
What to do next
Start by reviewing your employee's degree and job description against the specialty occupation standard in 8 CFR 214.2(h). Compare the flat fees, government fees and preparation timelines described above with what your current provider charges. For companies filing more than 10 cases a year, ask potential providers about custom pricing models with discounted per-petition rates.
Frequently asked questions
What do H-1B immigration services in San Francisco typically cost?
Typical market rates are about $3,000 for an H-1B petition, excluding government fees. Gale's flat fee is $999, and Alma charges $3,500. Government fees add about $2,000 to $6,000 or more depending on employer size and whether premium processing is requested.
How long does H-1B petition preparation take?
Alma prepares H-1B petitions in 2–3 weeks, while traditional law firms average 2–4 months. Preparation speed depends on how quickly documents are collected and how the provider organizes legal review.
Are RFE responses included in flat-fee H-1B services?
Gale includes RFE responses in its $999 flat fee. Other providers' RFE policies vary, and some may charge separately for request-for-evidence work.
What makes an H-1B petition legally compliant?
The petition must show the position is a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related specific specialty, with a logical connection between the required degree and the duties. About 17% of initial H-1B petitions receive RFEs.
Sources
- Gale facts, Gale. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- Gale pricing, Gale. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- Immigration Legal Fees & Pricing for U.S. Visas, Alma. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- H-1B Processing Time: Complete Timeline Guide for 2026, Alma. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- H-1B Visa Costs in 2026: Filing Fees, Attorney Fees, and Who Pays | Boundless, Boundless. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- 8 CFR Part 106 -- USCIS Fee Schedule, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Accessed Nov 11, 2026.
- 8 CFR 214.2: Special requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Accessed Nov 11, 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.
