H1B Employer asking for Immigration Reimbursement

[mggowtham25]

Hi,

I'm currently working with Company A (a startup company) which I joined last March 2021. During my joining with this company I signed an offer letter which states that I need to be with them for at least 2 years if not I should reimburse the money which they spent for me - H1 transfer with premium. 
Now, I decided to leave the company due to issues that they can't sponsor my Green card. It's been just more than a year with them. But the issue is now they are asking me to reimburse the H1 transfer fee with their lawyer fee also. I think it's going above $5,000 (or even more with my calculations). 

Is it legal for an employer to ask this? I'm so confused and worried. I cannot afford this money. 

Please help me any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

 

FYI - I have found this doc on the USCIS website. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/62h-h1b-pay-deductions 

[JoeF]

An employer can not ask for money for the H1. It is illegal by law. The only thing the employee can pay is the premium fee.

[LeaveMessageH1B]

14 hours ago, mggowtham25 said:

Is it legal for an employer to ask this?

No

14 hours ago, mggowtham25 said:

I need to be with them for at least 2 years if not I should reimburse the money which they spent for me - H1 transfer with premium. 

This is illegal too.

Just leave quietly from "start-up company"

[Zodiac System]

Consult an attorney on this situation.

Of the six years, how many balance years do you have on your H1b.