13 MIN READ
UPDATED JUN 17, 2026🌎 Thank you for considering Toku's Immigration and Visa support services for your global hiring needs. We frequently assist clients and employees with work visas worldwide, ensuring a smooth and compliant process. This document outlines the most common work visas we support, expected timelines, and related fees, including both government-imposed charges and an estimate of additional service fees.
Note that the information about the government fees, regulations, and processing times is for general guidance only and may be subject to change. This edition reflects fee schedules and regulatory changes as of January 2026.
CRITICAL 2026 UPDATES
- US H-1B: New $100,000 fee for certain new petitions (effective Sept 21, 2025)
- UK: English requirement increased from B1 to B2 (effective Jan 8, 2026); Immigration Skills Charge increased 32%
- Germany: EU Blue Card salary thresholds increased (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Singapore: New COMPASS criteria updates and salary benchmarks (effective Jan 1, 2026)
💳 Retainer & Payment Requirements
To initiate any immigration or visa support engagement, Toku requires a retainer payment before legal work can begin:
- Most Countries visa services: USD $2,000 (standard) | USD $1,500 per dependent
- USA visa services: USD $5,000 minimum (costs may exceed this depending on case complexity) This retainer is applied directly toward the total cost of your case, it is not an additional fee. If the final cost of your case exceeds the retainer, Toku will invoice for the remaining balance as the process progresses. We are unable to begin the legal process until the retainer is received.
Rush or expedited processing requests may incur additional costs and will be communicated upfront.
🇺🇸 1. United States - H-1B (Skilled Worker Visa)
Overview
- Designed for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent).
- Annual caps apply with a lottery if the number of petitions exceeds the cap (65,000 regular + 20,000 master's cap).
- FY2027 registration fee increased to $215 per beneficiary (up from $10 in prior years).
Expected Timeline
- Preparation (LCA, Job Description, Prevailing Wage): 2-4 weeks
- USCIS Processing: Regular: 3-6 months; Premium Processing: 15 calendar days ($2,965 effective March 1, 2026)
- Total: ~2-6 months
Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
| Base Filing Fee (I-129) | $780 (or $460 for small employers ≤25 employees) |
| ACWIA (Training) Fee | $750 (<25 employees) or $1,500 (≥25 employees) |
| Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee | $500 |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 ($300 for small employers; nonprofits exempt) |
| NEW: $100,000 Fee | Required for new petitions filed after Sept 21, 2025 where beneficiary is abroad without valid H-1B visa |
| H-1B Registration Fee | $215 per beneficiary (FY2027 cap season) |
| Premium Processing (Optional) | $2,965 (effective March 1, 2026; previously $2,805) |
IMPORTANT: The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B petitions filed after Sept 21, 2025 for beneficiaries requiring consular processing abroad. Extensions, amendments, and change of status petitions for individuals already in the US are EXEMPT. National interest exceptions may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Typical Total Cost Ranges
- Standard case (no $100K fee): estimated starting from ~$2,630 without premium processing
- With Premium Processing: estimated starting from ~$5,595
- New petition with $100K fee: $102,630+ (consular processing from abroad)
Toku Fees (Approximate)
- EOR Support (Documentation, Coordination): $1,500-$2,500
- Additional Immigration Attorney Support: $3,000-$5,000 (for complex cases, prior refusals, or RFEs)
1.1 United States - F-1 CPT/OPT
F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus work authorization tied to their academic program. Two key options are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
F-1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
- Allows students to work during their studies in a job or internship that is an integral part of their curriculum.
- Must be authorized by Designated School Official (DSO); no USCIS filing required.
- Using 12+ months of full-time CPT disqualifies the student from OPT.
- Fees: No government fees; school may charge processing fee.
F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- Allows students to work after graduation in a role directly related to their major.
- Duration: Up to 12 months standard; additional 24-month STEM Extension for eligible graduates.
- Application must be submitted 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after.
- USCIS Processing: ~3 months (no premium processing for standard OPT).
OPT Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
| USCIS I-765 Filing Fee | $520 (increased Jan 1, 2026 from $470) |
| Premium Processing (if available) | $1,780 (effective March 1, 2026) |
1.2 United States - O-1 (Extraordinary Ability)
Overview
- The O-1 visa is for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
- O-1A: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- Recent policy updates recognize early-career professionals, AI/tech examples, and equity compensation toward salary criteria.
Key Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability by meeting at least 3 of the following criteria: national/international awards for excellence; membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement; published material about the applicant in major media; participation as a judge of others in the field; original contributions of major significance; authorship of scholarly articles; employment in a critical capacity for distinguished organizations; high salary or remuneration compared to others in the field.
Expected Timeline
- Petition Preparation: 3-4 weeks (gathering evidence, drafting, support letters)
- USCIS Adjudication (Regular): 2-4 months
- USCIS Adjudication (Premium): 15 business days
Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
| Base Filing Fee (I-129) | $1,055 ($530 for small employers ≤25 employees) |
| Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee | $500 |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 ($300 small employers; nonprofits exempt) |
| Premium Processing (Optional) | $2,965 (effective March 1, 2026) |
| Visa Integrity Fee (at consular interview) | $250 (new for FY2025+) |
Toku Fees (Approximate)
- EOR Support: $1,500-$2,000
- Immigration Attorney Support: $6,000-$12,000 (O-1 cases require substantial documentation)
🇨🇦 2. Canada - Temporary Work Permit (LMIA or LMIA-Exempt)
Overview
- Most foreign workers require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless exempt (e.g., intra-company transfers, trade agreement professionals).
- LMIA demonstrates no qualified Canadians are available for the position.
- 2025-2026 updates include stricter low-wage position caps and mandatory Job Bank postings.
Expected Timeline
- LMIA Processing (if required): High-wage: 38-45 business days; Global Talent Stream: 7-9 business days
- Work Permit Application: 2-12 weeks (depending on nationality and category)
- Total: ~3-6 months for LMIA-based; ~1-3 months if LMIA-exempt
Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
| LMIA Fee (if required) | CAD $1,000 per position (employer-paid, non-refundable) |
| Work Permit Application | CAD $155 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | CAD $100 (additional, if applicable) |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 individual; CAD $170 max per family |
| Employer Compliance Fee (LMIA-exempt) | CAD $230 |
| IEC Work Permit (International Experience Canada) | CAD $184.75 |
Typical Total Cost Ranges
- LMIA-exempt: estimated starting from ~CAD $240
- LMIA-based: estimated starting from ~CAD $1,240
Toku Fees (Approximate)
- EOR Support (LMIA coordination, compliance, filing): CAD $1,000-$2,000
- Additional Immigration Lawyer Support: CAD $2,000-$4,000 (for complex LMIAs or appeals)
3. Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden - EU Blue Card
Overview
- Aimed at highly skilled non-EU citizens with recognized university degree (or comparable qualification).
- Skilled Immigration Act reforms expanded shortage occupation categories and eased qualification rules.
- IT specialists with 3+ years experience can qualify without a formal degree.
2026 Salary Thresholds (Effective January 1, 2026)
Standard EU Blue Card: €50,700 gross annual salary (up from €48,300 in 2025)
Shortage Occupations & New Entrants: €45,934.20 gross annual salary (up from €43,760 in 2025)
Shortage occupations include: STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), IT specialists, medical professionals (doctors, pharmacists, nurses), manufacturing/construction managers, and health services managers.
Expected Timeline
- Degree Recognition (if needed): 2-8 weeks
- Visa Application (Embassy/Consulate): 6-12 weeks
- On-Arrival Registration & Residence Permit: 2-4 weeks
- Total: ~2-4 months (longer if credential recognition is complex)
Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
| Entry Visa Fee | ~€75-€100 |
| Residence Permit / Blue Card Fee | ~€100-€140 |
| Total Government Fees | ~€175-€240 |
Toku Fees (Approximate)
- EOR Support (Documentation, local coordination): €800-€1,300
- Additional Immigration Lawyer Support: €1,500-€3,000 (for rejections or complex qualifications)
🇸🇬 4. Singapore - Employment Pass (EP) & Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
Overview
- Singapore's primary work pass for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists is the Employment Pass (EP), administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a premium, employer-independent pass for high-earning professionals who want flexibility to change employers without reapplying.
- Since September 2023, all new EP applications (below the S$22,500/month salary exemption threshold) must pass the COMPASS points-based assessment framework in addition to meeting the minimum qualifying salary.
- 2026 Update: COMPASS criteria, Shortage Occupation List (SOL), and salary benchmarks were refreshed effective January 1, 2026 for new applications and July 1, 2026 for renewals. Healthcare occupations were added to the SOL; several technology roles (including Cyber Risk Specialist and Product Manager (Digital)) were removed.
- The ONE Pass is also available for very senior professionals earning S$30,000+/month and is valid for 5 years with renewal eligibility.
EP Key Requirements (2026)
- Minimum qualifying salary: S$5,600/month for most sectors; S$6,200/month for financial services (thresholds increase progressively with age)
- COMPASS score: Minimum 40 points required, assessing individual attributes (salary benchmark, qualifications, diversity) and firm-based attributes (local workforce support, hiring practices)
- COMPASS exemptions: Candidates earning S$22,500+/month, intra-corporate transferees under trade agreements, and short-term EP holders (1 month or less) are exempt
- Employer applies on behalf of the candidate through MOM's myMOM Portal - the candidate cannot apply directly
PEP Key Requirements (2026)
- Minimum fixed monthly salary: S$22,500 (in effect since September 1, 2023)
- Annual income requirement: S$270,000 fixed annual salary must be maintained each calendar year
- Validity: 3 years, non-renewable (a second PEP cannot be issued once expired)
- PEP holders may switch employers without reapplying for a new pass and may be unemployed for up to 6 continuous months
- Not available to sole proprietors, partners, or directors with substantial shareholding
Expected Timeline
- EP Application Preparation (documents, COMPASS assessment): 1-2 weeks
- MOM Processing - EP: approximately 3 weeks
- MOM Processing - PEP: approximately 8 weeks (more intensive review)
- Pass Issuance (after In-Principle Approval): 1-2 weeks
- Total - EP: ~4-6 weeks
- Total - PEP: ~10-12 weeks
Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
| EP Application Fee (employer-paid, non-refundable) | S$105 per application |
| EP Issuance Fee (upon approval) | S$225 |
| S Pass Application Fee | S$105 per application |
| S Pass Issuance Fee | S$100 |
| PEP Application Fee | S$105 |
| PEP Issuance Fee | S$225 |
| Dependant's Pass (for EP holders earning S$6,000+/month) | S$105 application + S$225 issuance |
All fees are non-refundable regardless of approval outcome.
Typical Total Cost Ranges
- EP (application + issuance): starting from ~S$330 in government fees
- PEP (application + issuance): starting from ~S$330 in government fees
Toku Fees (Approximate)
- EOR Support (documentation, MOM portal coordination, COMPASS assessment support): S$1,500-S$2,500 USD equivalent
- Additional Immigration Consultant Support: S$1,500-S$3,000 USD equivalent (for complex cases, COMPASS borderline scores, or reconsideration requests)
🇦🇪 5. United Arab Emirates - SHAMS Work Permit & Golden Visa
Overview
- UAE employment via Toku is structured through SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), a UAE free zone authority that sponsors work permits for Toku employees.
- Job titles must correspond to a role on the SHAMS designation list — confirmed before the process begins.
- Two tracks depending on the employee's residency status:
- Standard Track: New arrivals without UAE residency require a full employment visa + SHAMS work permit
- Golden Visa Track: Employees who already hold a UAE Golden Visa only need a SHAMS work permit - no entry visa required
- Entry requirements vary by nationality - some nationalities (e.g. India, Pakistan, Philippines) require an entry permit before travel; others (e.g. UK, EU, US, Canada) may enter visa-free and convert status in-country.
Expected Timeline - Standard Track (New Arrival)
| Step | Responsibility | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Degree attestation (home country) | Employee | 2 - 4 weeks |
| 2. Courier attested degree to UAE | Employee | 3 - 5 business days |
| 3. UAE MoFA attestation + Arabic translation | WorkCo UAE | 1 - 2 weeks |
| 4. Travel to UAE / entry permit (if required) | Employee + WorkCo | Concurrent |
| 5. Medical exam, biometrics & health insurance | WorkCo UAE | 1 - 2 weeks post-arrival |
| 6. Visa issuance & Emirates ID | WorkCo UAE | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Total | ~6 - 10 weeks |
Expected Timeline - Golden Visa Track
| Step | Responsibility | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm Golden Visa & Emirates ID validity | Employee | Immediate |
| 2. Degree attestation (if applicable) | Employee | 2 - 4 weeks |
| 3. SHAMS work permit application | WorkCo UAE | 5 - 7 business days |
| Total | ~2 - 4 weeks |
Government Fees (2026)
| Fee Type | Amount [approximate] |
|---|---|
| Fast-Track Processing (optional) | AED 1,200 |
| Concierge Service - transport to/from appointments (optional) | AED 3,000 |
| Standard government processing fees | Vary by case; contact Toku for current estimates |
Toku Fees (Approximate)
- EOR Support (documentation, SHAMS coordination): Starting from ~$2,000 USD; ~$1,500 USD per dependent
- Additional Immigration Support (complex cases, degree attestation challenges): Case by case - contact Toku for a quote
Contact
For case-specific guidance, additional inquiries or assistance, please reach out to us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.toku.com
Disclaimer
This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Government fees, regulations, and processing times are subject to change without notice. Information reflects policies as of January 2026. For the most current requirements, please consult official government sources or contact Toku for personalized guidance.
Last Updated: April 2026