Petitions & Fees
Guidance by Petition Type
As of October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks for fee payment. The department is instructed to use its p-card to pay USCIS filing fees.
Below you will find the requirements for form submission.
- Each immigration fee requires its own G-1450 to be completed.
- Type or print legibly in black ink.
- The cardholder's signature must be a wet signature.
- Double check the p-card information, credit card number, expiration date, and signature.
- Upload the signed form(s) to iTerp on the Petition Fees & Mailing e-form.
- Retain all original signed G-1450 form(s) in the department's file.
Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions | USCIS
Purpose
To change a person’s current visa status to an initial H1B visa, such as from F-1 or J-1 to H-1B.
OR
For someone entering the U.S. who currently does not have visa status, or who had a six-year H-1B visa, left the country for at least one year, and will return with another initial H-1B visa
Employment Begins Upon
Receipt of the I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS
Required Processing Fees
- $460 Base fee for I-129 application
- $500 Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee
Optional Processing Fees
- Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing.
- Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker.
Purpose
For someone currently holding an H-1B visa with the University of Maryland and whose department wants to extend the status.
Six-year maximum
- When the foreign national reaches the six-year limit, they must leave the US and reside overseas for a period of one year before they can obtain H-1B status again.
- Exception: Regulations permit one-year extensions beyond the six-year maximum for an employee who is in the process of filing for permanent residence. The application for permanent residency must have been filed more than 365 days before the H-1B’s sixth year end date.
Employment Begins Upon
Mailing of the petition to USCIS. The person can be placed on payroll for 240 days.
Required Processing Fees
- $460 fee for Form I-129.
Optional Processing Fees
- Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing.
- Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker.
Purpose
For a person currently holding an H-1B visa with another institution or company who will continue working for that institution or company but wishes to also work for the University of Maryland. This is usually a part-time position.
Employment Begins Upon
Mailing of the petition to USCIS. The person can begin employment and be placed on payroll for 240 days.
Required Processing Fees
- $460 Base fee for I-129 application
- $500 Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee
Optional Processing Fees
- Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing.
- Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker.
Purpose
Used when a person’s job duties and responsibilities will change, such as full-time to part-time or vice versa, or a reduction in salary.
Employment Begins Upon
Receipt of the I-797 Receipt Notice. The notice must be received before the change becomes effective.
Required Processing Fees
- $460 fee for Form I-129
Optional Processing Fees
- Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing.
- Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker.
Purpose
Used when a person currently has an H-1B with another institution or company but wants to leave that institution to begin employment with the University of Maryland.
Employment Begins Upon
Mailing of the petition to USCIS. The person can begin employment and be placed on payroll for 240 days
Required Processing Fees
- $460 Base fee for I-129 application
- $500 Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee
Optional Processing Fees
- Additional $2,805 for Premium Processing.
- Additional $470 for Form I-539 for dependents (plus $85 for biometrics). To be paid by H-1B worker.