Can my employer ask me to pay attorney costs and other fees for H1B?

[dudette]

Hi:

My H1B is up for renewal, and my employer is asking me to pay half the costs for all the expenses (legal plus visa fees et al). Moreover, my employer also wants me to sign a contract that says if I leave the copany in 12 months after receiving the H1B approval, I will have to reimburse all the H1B costs.

1. Can the employer ask me to pay for my H1B?
2. Can the employer ask me to sign such an agreement?

Cheers,
Dudette

 

[jaxen]

1. Yes. It is a iffy thing. Most probably employer would cut your salary. It will be difficult to prove that you paid the fees.
2. Yes. You can ask employer to mention about 50% of the h1B costs as the penalty fee or mention your paying of part of the H1B costs in the agreement.