By Darren Lim, Recruitment Consultant
$100,000 H1-B Visa Petition Fee: The Case for Looking Offshore – Why Bangkok Should Be on Your Radar
As of 2025, the U.S. government has proposed raising the fee to petition for new H1-B visas to $100,000 per candidate — a significant increase aimed at curbing abuse and driving greater scrutiny of foreign labor programs.
For U.S. employers, especially in tech, finance, and engineering, this isn’t just a budget issue — it’s a strategic inflection point.
The Real Cost of Hiring Foreign Talent in the U.S.
While the H1-B visa has long enabled companies to access specialized global talent, the mounting costs — combined with processing delays, cap restrictions, and evolving immigration policies — are forcing many businesses to rethink their workforce strategies.
Let’s do the math:
• H1-B Filing (per candidate): $100,000+
• Legal & Administrative Costs: $3,000–$5,000
• Uncertainty Factor: 1-in-4 chance of approval (or less)
Suddenly, hiring a skilled software engineer or financial analyst from abroad can cost well over $150,000, before salary or onboarding even begins — and that’s assuming a successful petition.
Offshore Isn’t Just a Cost Move — It’s a Competitive One
This is where Bangkok, Thailand enters the conversation — not as a “cheap labor” solution, but as a strategic talent hub that blends affordability, high-quality professionals, and time-zone advantages.
At RSM Recruitment (Thailand), we’ve seen a marked rise in inquiries from U.S. and European companies exploring offshore hiring, remote team extensions, and shared service centers in Southeast Asia.
Why Bangkok? Key Advantages:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Cost-efficiency | Salaries in Bangkok are 40–60% lower than U.S. equivalents — without compromising on talent quality. |
| Skilled Workforce | Thailand produces over 80,000 STEM graduates annually, with many professionals fluent in English and experienced in international business environments. |
| Time-Zone Overlap | With a 12-hour time difference from the U.S. East Coast, teams in Bangkok can provide overnight development, support, or operations, accelerating project delivery. |
| Business Infrastructure | Bangkok offers robust digital infrastructure, modern office spaces, and a growing startup & tech ecosystem. |
| Ease of Setup | Through RSM, companies can tap into employer-of-record (EOR), recruitment, or entity setup services — all with local compliance built in. |
The Opportunity: Rethink Global Talent, Starting in Thailand
With the new H1-B fee structure in place, many companies are asking:
“If it costs $100,000+ just to consider one foreign worker in the U.S., what else could we do with that same investment offshore?”
Here’s a short list:
• Hire 1–2 mid-level engineers in Bangkok for 6–12 months
• Establish a dedicated offshore team to support product development or customer service
• Engage an RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) partner to build a talent pipeline in Asia
• Test a nearshore/offshore hybrid model without committing to permanent relocation
How RSM Recruitment Can Help
As part of the global RSM network, we specialize in connecting global companies with Thailand’s best talent — quickly, compliantly, and cost-effectively. Whether you’re exploring a single hire, a remote team, or an offshore entity, we provide:
• Talent mapping & executive search
• Employer of Record (EOR) services
• Payroll & HR compliance
• Market entry consulting
Let’s Talk About Your Offshore Strategy
The H1-B fee increase isn’t just a cost barrier — it’s a wake-up call. The global workforce is shifting, and forward-thinking companies are adapting.
Ready to explore offshore hiring in Thailand? Let’s make your $100,000 investment work harder — and smarter.
Contact RSM Recruitment (Thailand) to schedule a consultation.
Navigating the recruitment landscape can be challenging. RSM Recruitment Thailand Team is here to assist companies throughout the recruitment process and beyond. Contact us AskUs@rsmrecruitment.com today to learn more about how we can support your executive search and recruitment needs in Thailand.